Ministry of Health Strikes New Deal With Faith-Based Hospitals to Boost SHA Rollout

Ministry of Health Strikes New Deal With Faith-Based Hospitals to Boost SHA Rollout

In a major step toward improving healthcare access, the Ministry of Health has reached a new agreement with faith-based hospitals to strengthen the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA). The deal, announced on Tuesday, September 30, follows a high-level consultative meeting led by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.

“We’re Committed to Collaboration”—Duale Promises Faster Claims and Better Service

During the meeting, CS Duale assured stakeholders of the Ministry’s dedication to clearing all pending SHA claims promptly.

“We’re committed to resolving claims on a first-in-first-out basis,” Duale stated. “No facility should suffer delays,” he added.

The Ministry also agreed to assign relationship managers to every public, private, and faith-based hospital to streamline communication and service delivery.

“Let’s Digitise Together”—Faith-Based Hospitals Push for Tech Support

To enhance efficiency, faith-based organisations pledged to submit a list of remote facilities needing digitisation. These facilities often struggle with claim processing and patient management due to lack of technology.

“Digitisation will ease our burden. We need support,” one hospital representative said.

In response, Duale revealed that the Ministry had already issued 100 digital gadgets to faith-based facilities and trained their staff.

“We’ve digitised 3,386 of 6,500 public facilities. We’re moving fast,” he confirmed.

“Use Your Platforms”—Churches and Mosques to Promote SHA Registration

Faith-based groups also agreed to use their platforms to educate communities about SHA. They will set up registration desks in churches and mosques to encourage enrollment and payment.

“We’ll spread awareness. Everyone deserves healthcare,” a religious leader affirmed.

This grassroots approach aims to reach underserved populations and boost participation in the new health insurance scheme.

“25 Million Onboarded”—SHA Gains Momentum Nationwide

Duale shared that SHA has already onboarded over 25 million Kenyans. He also disclosed that Ksh10 billion and Ksh59.3 billion had been paid out for Primary Health Care and Social Health Insurance Funds, respectively.

“We’re making progress. The numbers speak for themselves,” he said.

To further support the initiative, the Ministry has requested Ksh5.4 billion from the National Treasury to settle legacy NHIF debts below Ksh10 million.

“We Appreciate the Effort”—Faith-Based Groups Welcome the Deal

Faith-based organisations praised the Ministry’s responsiveness and pledged continued cooperation.

“We appreciate the progress. Let’s keep working together,” one stakeholder said.

As SHA continues to expand, this partnership promises to bring healthcare closer to every Kenyan.

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Ministry of Health Strikes New Deal With Faith-Based Hospitals to Boost SHA Rollout