Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has responded to criticism from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over the Social Health Authority (SHA), dismissing claims that the system is failing.
Speaking on Sunday during an event in Wajir, Duale defended the government’s new health scheme and challenged Gachagua to make public any evidence he claims to have.
“I dare Riggy G to release that dossier tomorrow at 10. We have paid health facilities across the country faith-based, private, public, and more KSh 21 billion as of this morning,” Duale said.
Gachagua had earlier criticised the programme, claiming that the government was frustrating faith-based hospitals through SHA. He also claimed the scheme could collapse within six months.
But Duale brushed off those claims, saying SHA is running normally and continues to support health facilities across the country.
He accused Gachagua of using the issue for political reasons, especially by drawing in private and faith-based hospitals.
The former DP has been among the loudest critics of SHA, raising concerns about issues such as delayed payments and alleged irregular claims.
During a church service in Ndia, Gachagua claimed that some hospitals were yet to be paid and advised private facilities to consider asking patients to pay upfront.
However, Duale maintained that payments are ongoing and gave figures to back his position.
According to him, more than 30 million Kenyans have already registered under the scheme, with about 12,000 new registrations recorded daily.
He said the government has so far paid out around KSh92.5 billion to support healthcare services. Out of this, about KSh75 billion has gone through the Social Health Insurance Fund, while KSh13 billion has been used to support primary healthcare.
He added that KSh3.5 billion has been set aside for civil servants and teachers, while another KSh1 billion has been used for emergency and critical care.
Duale said the funds are meant to support services in public, private and faith-based hospitals across the country.
He also noted that the government has mobilised about KSh156 billion to sustain the programme, including contributions from different schemes and funds.
The exchange between the two leaders highlights the growing political debate around the rollout of SHA and how it is affecting healthcare services in the country.
