No More Paying at Hospitals: Govt Halts SHA Charges as Civil Servants Get Lifeline

The Ministry of Health has suspended the tariff-locking system under the Social Health Authority (SHA) after complaints that civil servants were being denied treatment or forced to pay cash in hospitals.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale made the announcement on Thursday, April 23, following a high-level meeting aimed at improving access to healthcare for public servants. 

He said the move is meant to eliminate challenges patients have been facing at health facilities.

“To ease the immediate challenges at the point of care, SHA will withdraw the tariff-locking system currently in place,” Duale stated.

As part of the new directive, all healthcare facilities contracted under SHA have been prohibited from charging civil servants for medication, with the changes taking effect immediately.

At the same time, strict enforcement of tariffs has been put on hold until a nationwide agreement on pricing is reached. 

The Ministry noted that this decision aligns with existing contractual obligations between SHA and healthcare providers.

The meeting also resolved to establish a joint rapid response desk to assist civil servants detained in hospitals over unpaid bills. 

This team will include officials from SHA, the State Department of Public Service, and the Union of Kenya Civil Servants (UKCS), and will also handle refunds for any незакон charges.

This action follows widespread complaints from public servants who said they were being turned away or asked to pay out of pocket for services already covered through salary deductions.

Patients with chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, and those requiring dialysis have been among the most affected, alongside emergency cases.

Despite earlier claims, the Ministry clarified that SHA services for civil servants had not been suspended, insisting that contracted hospitals should not demand cash payments.

A strict “walk-in, walk-out” policy has now been enforced, meaning no co-payments will be required. 

Only facilities within the SHA network will be allowed to offer services under the scheme, with violators facing penalties, including possible removal from the program.