Kenyans who want to seek medical treatment abroad under the Social Health Authority (SHA) will now have to get approval from at least two doctors before travelling.
State Department for Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr Ouma Olunga said the new requirement is meant to ensure that only patients whose conditions cannot be treated locally are cleared to go overseas.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, February 19, Dr Olunga explained that the two doctors must examine the patient and confirm in writing that the treatment is not available in Kenya. Their report will then be forwarded to SHA for approval.
“What we have done is to put a clear system. Before anyone travels for treatment abroad, at least two doctors must see the patient and confirm that the treatment cannot be done here,” Olunga said.
He added that the Health Cabinet Secretary has already published a list of conditions that are not treatable in Kenya. Patients diagnosed with any of the listed conditions will qualify for consideration, after proper documentation and approval.
Once SHA gives the green light, patients are expected to seek treatment only in hospitals that have been contracted by the authority.
The PS said the government also wants to stop cases where patients are advised to travel abroad even when treatment is available locally.
“There are some conditions that can be treated here, but some doctors push patients to travel. When they get stuck there, they start saying the government is not paying. We want to stop that and make sure only deserving cases are approved,” he said.
He assured Kenyans that SHA will also support patients when they return home, especially during the recovery period, so that treatment does not stop halfway.
In a separate notice, SHA warned Kenyans against travelling without official approval or relying on brokers and informal arrangements. The authority also reminded members to ensure their SHA contributions are up to date before applying for overseas treatment.
Last year, Health CS Aden Duale gazetted a list of 36 specialised medical services that are currently unavailable in Kenya. Most of them involve highly specialised procedures such as certain joint and limb replacement surgeries.
The government has set a maximum amount that can be paid for overseas treatment under SHA. According to Duale, the limit is capped at Sh500,000 per patient, although the amount may be reviewed depending on agreements signed with foreign hospitals.
The new rules are part of efforts to tighten oversight on overseas referrals and ensure public funds are used properly while still supporting Kenyans who genuinely need specialised care not available in the country.
