Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has dismissed claims that the Social Health Authority (SHA) plans to deny civil servants access to medical services.
In a statement on Saturday, August 9, Ruku termed the reports as false and designed to cause unnecessary panic among government workers.
He assured that all civil servants and their families will continue to receive treatment in contracted facilities across the country.
“No civil servant or their dependents should pay cash at any healthcare facility, whether public, private, or faith-based, as long as it is accredited and contracted,” Ruku said. “Access to quality healthcare remains guaranteed, just as it has been over the years.However, he clarified that the medical cover will not apply to facilities suspended from the SHA programme.
On Friday, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the suspension of 40 hospitals accused of engaging in fraudulent activities, following investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The list of suspended facilities was published in a gazette notice.
Ruku’s statement comes after Kenya Health Federation chairperson Kanyenje Gakombe warned that private hospitals may stop offering services to civil servants due to delayed payments from the government’s health insurance programme.
Gakombe said some facilities could soon require patients to pay upfront and seek reimbursement from their employers or SHA unless outstanding claims are settled promptly.
Ruku maintained that the government remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted healthcare for all public servants and their dependents.
