By Ebi Kesiena
President William Ruto has directed the Ministry of Health to shut down any hospital involved in fraudulent activities related to the Social Health Authority (SHA) claims. This decisive action comes after 1000 hospitals were closed due to their involvement in such malpractices, with more closures anticipated.
The President emphasised the importance of maintaining the efficiency and integrity of the health programme, stating, “Our Social Health Authority is working. In eight months, the transformative medical scheme has served more than 4.9 million people, way above what NHIF would have managed.”
Ruto warned of tough action against facilities engaging in fraudulent activities, leveraging technology to track and verify claims.
Meanwhile, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale had already closed 35 health facilities over similar allegations.
The SHA has suspended services at facilities linked to the scheme in over 10 counties. The government’s crackdown on hospital fraud demonstrates its commitment to ensuring the integrity of the healthcare system.
By utilising digital systems to monitor admissions, discharges, and claims, the government has shown commitment to easily identify and address cases of fraud. This move aims to protect the SHA’s transformative medical scheme and ensure it continues to provide quality healthcare services to Kenyans.