Private hospitals call for dialogue with Health Ministry over unpaid claims
PS Kimtai had threatened to shut down private healthcare facilities over concerns raised about unsettled claims under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
The Kenya Association of Private Hospitals (KAPH) is urging the Ministry of Health and the Social Health Authority (SHA) to engage in prompt discussions to resolve ongoing issues surrounding unpaid claims, which are putting the sustainability of private hospitals at risk.
This appeal comes after remarks by the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Harry Kimtai, who threatened to shut down private healthcare facilities over concerns raised about unsettled claims under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
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KAPH has reiterated its commitment to supporting the government's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda but emphasized the severe financial strain private hospitals are facing due to delayed NHIF payments.
"We wish to state that private healthcare providers remain committed to supporting the government's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda. However, addressing the real and pressing financial challenges, primarily caused by delayed payments of claims under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), is crucial to ensure the sustainability of private hospitals," KAPH stated in an official statement.
KAPH stated that many private hospitals are owed millions of shillings in unpaid claims, with some amounts exceeding Sh10 million.
They emphasized that these outstanding payments are crucial for the daily operations of hospitals, including the purchase of medical supplies and payment of staff.
"Without timely settlement of claims, the ability of private hospitals to continue providing services is jeopardized, and the healthcare system is at risk," KAPH stated.
The association also highlighted that instead of addressing these concerns, the Ministry of Health has resorted to threats, which KAPH described as unfair and damaging to the partnership required to achieve UHC.
"Such pronouncements not only undermine the spirit of partnership needed to achieve UHC but also unfairly target facilities that have continued to serve Kenyans despite enduring significant financial strain," the association stated.
The PS had criticized hospitals for halting services due to unpaid claims, accusing them of using the situation to pressure the government.
He further warned that failure to comply with regulations could result in the revocation of licenses for non-compliant hospitals.
"Why do you protest? Why do you stop service when you knew well that NHIF had your outstanding bill? Since 2016, we have called for negotiations and engagement to prove that it is true. We were ready to pay, but they should not blackmail the government and Kenyans by stopping to offer services," Kimtai said.
"If they continue like this, they are subject to renewal of licenses, and if they are not compliant, they should close shop," he added.
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