“SHA Is Not Working,” Natembeya Asks President William Ruto to Drop SHA

Social Health Authority (SHA) has continued to receive backlashes from both the opposition and a section of leaders in government.

Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya has asked President William Ruto to drop the government health insurance fund, as it is not helping Kenyans, but an addition to their suffering.

According to him, SHA is not working, as people are receiving services and the insurance is not paying hospitals to acquire medicines and essential healthcare machines, as the insurance owes the county over KSh 200 million.

“In the health sector, one is paying for the insurance but it is not working.  When you go to the hospital and registered under SHA, you are not charged and receive treatment as we wait for refund from SHA to buy medicines.  We are offering services with no refund. As Trans Nzoia, we are owed by SHA KSh 263 million,” he stated.

Speaking in Kitale on Saturday, Natembeya further stated that the county cannot employ health workers, as the narrative of SHA working that gave false hopes to Kenyans was propagated by the former health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha.

He called on Ruto to act with wisdom and do away with SHA, as its frustrating the health sector.

“Mr. President, when things turn sour doesn’t force it on people. SHA has affected the health sector, it will be wise if you drop it,” he called on the president.

His calls come days after the Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) suspended its SHA services to patients following unpaid claims and reimbursement model. The government owes RUPHA KSh 30 billion.

According to RUPHA chairman Brian Lishenga, the huge sum of arrears has made it difficult to continue offering services, further stating that the stalemate is putting patients’ health at risk, and sustainability of private hospitals across the country.

The health cries is further in a crisis as Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and clinical officers went on a strike calling for better employment terms under SHA and Universal Health Coverage (UHC), threatening a lawsuit over the same.

However, health Cabinet Principal Secretary Mary Muruiki met with the officials from RUPHA, to try strengthening health service delivery for Kenyans affected by the move.