Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced the rollout of the Green Belt Charter, a new initiative aimed at curbing health facilities that deliberately undermine the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Speaking in an interview on Monday, January 26, Duale said the government will fully cover outpatient services in primary healthcare facilities, with the charter clearly outlining all services offered free of charge under SHA.
He explained that the Green Belt Charter will be displayed in all Level 2, Level 3, and selected Level 4 health facilities, requiring hospitals to publicly list free services such as laboratory tests, diagnostics, immunisation, and medication.
Duale Unveils New Measures to Stop Health Facilities Undermining SHA. Photo: Courtesy.
Duale added that the charter will include a follow-up mechanism, including SMS-based feedback, to ensure patients are not denied services already funded by the government under the health scheme.
Kenyans will also be required to give feedback on their hospital visits to verify whether proper procedures were followed and all entitled services were provided.
If any item on the checklist is missing, patients will be able to return to the facility and demand the service.
Duale explained that the system will prompt patients to confirm whether they received preventive and promotive healthcare services and, in cases of referral, whether their condition was correctly classified as complicated.
He noted that the short feedback survey is designed to address gaps that previously left patients unaware of their entitlements, such as reasons for not receiving medication.
The Health CS further warned that facilities charging patients for services such as kidney dialysis and cancer treatment due to unpaid SHA bills risk facing severe sanctions.
He added that health institutions should not expect SHA to procure medicines on their behalf, noting that the authority already settles their bills.
