- Aden Duale warns that estate-based private clinics will close once SHA takes effect.
- The Health CS links NHIF loopholes to the survival of many hospitals.
- Private hospitals resisting SHA face possible license renewal hurdles.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has declared that numerous private clinics in residential estates will be forced to shut down once the Social Health Authority (SHA) is fully implemented.
Duale, speaking at a past event, argued that many hospitals and clinics thrived due to fraudulent dealings within the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). He insisted that SHA will expose and eliminate these illegal practices.
“Mark my words-once SHA takes root, 60% of the clinics in estates will close. Many hospitals that seemed to be doing well were only sustained by NHIF fraud,” he stated.
Government’s Tough Stand on Private Hospitals
Duale’s remarks come just weeks after outgoing State Department for Medical Services PS Harry Kimtai issued a stern warning to private hospitals boycotting SHA.
On Monday, March 17, Kimtai accused private healthcare providers of attempting to blackmail both the government and citizens by withholding services. He cautioned that such facilities risked facing challenges in renewing their operating licenses.
“They should not use blackmail by suspending services. If they refuse to comply, then it’s simple-they won’t have their licenses renewed. Healthcare is a constitutional right, and if they don’t want to offer services, they should shut down,” Kimtai warned.
The government remains firm on implementing SHA, despite pushback from private health providers who argue that the transition may destabilize their operations.
