MoH Orders Suspension of 45 Health Facilities Over SHA Payment Scandal
The Ministry of Health has cracked down on 45 hospitals across the country over alleged payment irregularities under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Suspension Notice Issued
In a notice dated August 26, SHA Chief Executive Officer Mercy Mwangangi announced the drastic move. She revealed that the facilities would no longer receive payments from SHA during the suspension period.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 48 (6) of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, the Social Health Authority hereby gives notice to the public of the suspension of the health facilities set out in the Schedule below,” the notice read in part.
Mwangangi added that the facilities had lost their entitlement to SHA benefits until further notice.
“In accordance with the provisions of the Social Health Insurance Act, the health facilities set out in the Schedule shall not be entitled to any benefit from the Social Health Authority during the period of their suspension,” she stated.
Widespread Impact Across Counties
The suspensions cut across multiple regions, hitting private healthcare providers hardest. North Eastern, Nyanza, and Western counties recorded the largest numbers.
In Nairobi, only Novic Medical Centre was suspended. Kisumu lost Abala Healthcare Limited and Nyabondo Centre for the Disabled (FBO), while Migori saw Neocare Memorial Hospital struck off the list.
In Bungoma, Chemwaa Health Centre and Grassroot Community Healthcare Ltd were affected. Kakamega also suffered suspensions, with Aspro Medecol Solutions and The Tranquil Hospital listed.
Other counties hit included Narok, Kajiado, Meru, Kirinyaga, and Uasin Gishu, each losing one facility.
Silence Over Controversial Hospitals
Notably, some high-profile hospitals accused of malpractice escaped the axe. These included Nyandiwa Level 4 Hospital, once branded a “ghost” facility, and Ladnan Hospital, previously linked to SHA chairperson Abdi Mohamed.
The omission sparked fresh debate on transparency within SHA. Many Kenyans questioned why hospitals already facing public scrutiny were excluded.
Public Reaction and Accountability
Kenyans online voiced anger and demanded full disclosure. Some argued that leaving out controversial facilities undermined the credibility of the crackdown. Others welcomed the move, calling it a necessary step to protect taxpayer funds.
The suspension now places thousands of patients in limbo as they scramble for alternative healthcare providers.
For many families, the uncertainty threatens access to essential services, sparking calls for government intervention to safeguard public trust in SHA.
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MoH Orders Suspension of 45 Health Facilities Over SHA Payment Scandal
