Private hospitals across the country have raised the alarm over delayed payments from the government, warning that many facilities could soon close their doors.
The Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) says the government owes its members more than Ksh76 billion in unpaid claims under the now-defunct NHIF and the new Social Health Authority (SHA).
Speaking in Meru, RUPHA Chairman Brian Lishenga said the arrears have left hospitals struggling to stay afloat. He noted that private and faith-based facilities provide about half of Kenya’s healthcare services, yet they continue to face unfair treatment when it comes to payments.
“The government owes private hospitals Ksh33 billion in NHIF arrears and another Ksh43 billion under SHA. This has pushed many facilities to the edge. Some have already moved to cash-only payments, while others are preparing to shut down,” Dr. Lishenga warned.
The association, which represents 700 hospitals, added that the situation could put millions of patients at risk of losing access to essential medical services.
RUPHA also faulted the government for ignoring a directive by President William Ruto to clear all pending NHIF bills.
According to Lishenga, hospitals are supposed to be reimbursed by the 14th of every month, but the payments have not been honored.
Since SHA was introduced in October last year, hospitals have submitted claims worth Ksh93 billion, yet only Ksh50 billion just over half has been reimbursed.
The association further highlighted challenges in counties piloting the digital superhighway, including Mombasa, Kirinyaga, Embu, and Nandi, where non-payment of primary healthcare claims has made matters worse instead of easing processes.
Lishenga warned that unless urgent action is taken, Kenya’s healthcare system could be thrown into crisis.
