Bishop Muheria: Faith-based hospital struggling as gov't fails to pay Sh250M debt

Faith-based hospitals are struggling to stay afloat due to more than Sh250 million in unpaid claims, a crisis they say has worsened with the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Archbishop of Nyeri Anthony Muheria on Friday said the government has failed to clear debts accumulated over the last four years, leaving hospitals in financial distress.

"We still have over Sh250 million owed to us by the government. We try, we cry, we appeal, we plead, but we seem to receive noncommittal responses," he said.

The archbishop warned that the debts were crippling healthcare services, yet faith-based hospitals have continued treating patients despite the financial strain.

"In any industry or company, Sh250 million is a debt that paralyses an institution, yet we have continued offering services," he added.

Catholic Church leaders have repeatedly urged the government to settle the outstanding payments, insisting that faith-based hospitals play a critical role in delivering healthcare to vulnerable communities.

The Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association (RUPHA) has also raised concerns, announcing that hospitals under its umbrella will suspend services under SHA starting February 24,2025.

Chairman Brian Lishenga said the decision was due to unpaid claims and an unsustainable reimbursement model.

"The continued failure to resolve critical challenges in the SHA transition is directly endangering patient care and hospital sustainability," he said.

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