No cash, no medical services, private hospitals tell patients under glitch laden SHA program
A national healthcare crisis is looming after private hospitals declared that all patients under the glitch-laden Social Health Authority (SHA) program will henceforth be required to pay on cash basis effective today, Monday, September 22, 2025.
Yesterday’s directive by the Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) was prompted by delayed and unsettled payments from SHA, which it said had made it unsustainable for hospitals to continue offering services on credit.
“Effective today, all healthcare services (unless otherwise stated) at this facility for Social Health Authority (SHA) beneficiaries will be provided on a cash basis,” the notice stated.
The association, which represents private hospitals nationwide, said the decision was necessary to ensure facilities remain open, essential supplies are available, and staff can continue serving patients.
“We regret the inconvenience this may cause and assure you that this action is driven by our commitment to ensure that hospitals remain open, essential supplies and equipment are available, and our staff can continue to serve you with the highest standards of care,” the notice added.
Delays in processing hospital claims have been a major concern among healthcare providers since the SHA began operations in October 2024, replacing the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
