The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has accused a section of insurance companies of frustrating access to healthcare in the country.
In a statement released on Tuesday, August 19, KMPDU claimed that the insurance firms have positioned themselves between doctors and patients, undermining the delivery of quality healthcare services.
“Insurance cartels are standing between doctors and their patients, denying Kenyans quality healthcare. They dictate which hospitals patients visit, which doctors they see, and which tests and drugs they get. They delay claim settlements, force cash payments, make SHA pay bills upfront, drain public funds meant for the poor, and raise premiums while capping provider charges,” the statement read.
KMPDU threatens to expose insurance companies blackmailing hospitals. Photo: Courtesy.
KMPDU went on in the statement to criticize regulatory bodies for allegedly failing to protect patients, further threatening to publish a list naming those involved.
This comes days after Health CS Aden Duale announced the formation of a joint taskforce between the government and private medical insurers to address malpractice in the health insurance sector.
In a statement on August 18, Duale said the collaboration also seeks to expand access to affordable and quality healthcare for Kenyans.
The health CS moreover revealed that the insurance executives were briefed on ongoing reforms under the country’s new health laws.
According to Duale, among the resolutions reached was the alignment of private insurance packages with SHA’s coverage to enhance service delivery.
