Private hospitals suspend SHA boycott after Ruto’s assurance on clearing NHIF debt
They, however, say the directive is not a full resolution of their concerns but is a critical step in solving their distress
The Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) have suspended their boycott on Social Health Authority (SHA) following the announcement by the government on plans to clear the debts in the next ninety days.
In a statement, the private hospitals stated they’ll be closely monitoring the government’s action in ensuring the full implementation of the directive given by President William Ruto.
“The Executive Committee of the Rural & Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) acknowledges the progress made following our collective action, which has resulted in President William Ruto’s directive to begin settling NHIF arrears and establish a verification process for larger claims,” they said in their statement.
According to RUPHA, Ruto’s directive is not a full resolution of their concerns but is a critical step in solving their distress.
“We recognize that this directive does not fully resolve all concerns but represents a critical first step in addressing the financial distress facing healthcare facilities. After extensive deliberations, we have decided to call off the boycott of SHA services, effective immediately, while closely monitoring the government’s actions to ensure full implementation of its commitments,” they said.
Their announcement comes after lack they suspended SHA services, citing unpaid claims and an unsustainable reimbursement model.
They also withdrew from the Medical Administrator Kenya Limited (MAKL) scheme, which covers teachers and police officers, citing 11 months of unpaid claims, unexplained fee deductions, and preferential treatment of MAKL-owned clinics.
In their statement today, they made it clear that the suspension of services under MAKL, will continue due to the lack of engagement and action from the provider.
“If MAKL and its underwriters, MINNET and CIC, do not take immediate action to address these issues, RUPHA will escalate the matter to regulatory authorities and legal channels to protect healthcare providers from exploitative financial practices,” they added.
Yesterday, the President gave an assurance that health facilities contracted by the now defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) with claims of Ksh 10 million and below will be paid immediately, saying it constituted 91 per cent of the pending bills. Those with claims above Ksh 10 million will be sorted out after verification by a committee to be set up within a week.
The government also committed to settle all claims made under the Social Health Authority (SHA) every month, noting that so far, Ksh 18.2 billion of all undisputed claims have been paid..
