The Social Health Authority (SHA) has suspended 12 hospitals over suspected fraudulent claims in a move aimed at safeguarding public healthcare funds.
Speaking on Saturday, April 4, in Garissa County, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the affected facilities were flagged by forensic auditors following investigations into irregular billing practices.
Duale emphasized that the government will not tolerate misuse of resources under the SHA scheme, noting that both private and public hospitals were implicated.
Social Health Authority Suspends 12 Hospitals Over Irregular Claims. Photo: Courtesy.
He went on to add that the ministry remains committed to protecting funds intended for the treatment and healthcare of Kenyans.
The suspended facilities include Bungoma West Hospital, Baypharm Medical Center, Dawida Annex Hospital, Kerugoya Medical Center, and Raycos Health Center.
Others are Calvary Hope Medical Center, Shamberere Dispensary, Kurafa Medical Center, Umoja Three Medical Center, and Pro Elite Westlands and Specialist Hospital.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale warned that political interference will not derail the government’s crackdown on health facilities implicated in fraudulent SHA claims.
He revealed that an additional 24 facilities are currently undergoing forensic audits over suspected fraud.
The latest suspensions come months after the Social Health Authority (SHA) took similar action against 40 health facilities over alleged fraudulent activities.
In a gazette notice issued by SHA Chief Executive Officer Mercy Mwangangi, the authority announced that the affected facilities would be barred from accessing SHA benefits during the suspension period, in line with the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023.
The notice stated that the move was aimed at enforcing accountability and protecting public healthcare funds.
Some of the previously affected facilities were located in Homa Bay County, including Rachuonyo County Hospital and Kotiende Medical Centre, while others in Nairobi, such as Salama Yard Medical Centre and Imara Healthcare Centre, were also suspended.
