The Social Health Authority (SHA) has cautioned Kenyans against individuals impersonating its officials and offering to expedite claims, payments and registration services for a fee.
In a notice issued by its Chief Executive Officer, Mercy Mwangangi, the Authority said it had received reports of individuals falsely presenting themselves as SHA officers and claiming they could facilitate claims processing, payments, accreditation, registration and other services.
“The Social Health Authority (SHA) has received reports of individuals falsely presenting themselves as SHA officers and offering to facilitate claims processing, payments, accreditation, registration, or other services,” the notice read in part.
It stressed that it does not charge any fees or accept gifts to expedite services, warning that anyone demanding such payments is a fraudster.
“SHA does not solicit money, gifts, commissions, or any form of payment to expedite services, approvals, claims, or payments. Any person demanding such facilitation is a fraudster,” the Authority said.
The Authority reiterated that all its services are offered through official channels, including SHA branch offices and Huduma Centres across the country, and urged the public not to engage individuals claiming they can influence or speed up service delivery.
“We urge healthcare providers, beneficiaries, and members of the public to remain vigilant and avoid engaging individuals claiming to offer preferential treatment or expedited services on behalf of SHA,” the notice stated.
SHA advised members of the public to verify any communication claiming to originate from the Authority before making payments or sharing personal information.
The Authority also urged anyone who encounters suspected fraud or impersonation to report the matter through its official fraud reporting channels, including its dedicated email address and toll-free line, or to notify the police for investigation and appropriate action.
The notice comes as SHA continues implementing the country's public health insurance programme, with increasing numbers of Kenyans registering for services and healthcare providers seeking accreditation under the scheme.
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