Principal Secretary Ouma Olunga, speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, February 19, outlined new procedures under the Social Health Authority (SHA) aimed at regulating overseas treatment and ensuring that only patients with conditions unavailable locally are referred abroad.
“What we have done is to ensure that for all Kenyans who are going for treatment overseas, we have a clear mechanism for registering to make sure that at least two doctors have seen you and write a report that your treatment cannot be done here,” Olunga said.
State Department for Medical Services Principal Secretary, Ouma Olunga during a press briefing on Thursday, February 19
Olunga emphasized that patients should seek care only through SHA-contracted overseas hospitals to guarantee accountability and financial support.
“The Health CS has already gazetted all conditions that cannot be treated here, so if you are diagnosed with such a condition in that list, we will write a letter so that the Social Health Authority supports it,” he added.
Safeguards Against Abuse
The PS noted that some patients had previously been enticed by doctors to travel abroad unnecessarily, only to face financial challenges when treatment costs were not covered.
“There are some conditions that can be treated here, but some doctors entice them to travel abroad, and when they get stuck there, they start saying the government is not paying. We want to deal with that to ensure that those who go are those who deserve it, and there is a system that when they get back to care,” Olunga stated.
He further assured that SHA would support patients during recovery once they return to Kenya, ensuring continuity of care.
“Kenyans should not travel assuming that their treatments will be automatically covered or rely on brokers or informal arrangements for overseas treatment,” the authority cautioned.
Duale also clarified the financial limits for overseas treatment.
“The maximum limit payable for overseas treatment is capped at Ksh500,000, ensuring value for money and quality care,” he said, noting that patients would initially access up to Ksh50,000, with adjustments possible depending on contracts with foreign healthcare providers.
Health CS Aden Duale addresses locals during his health tour in Garissa County on January 24, 2025.
With the new approval system in place, Kenyans seeking treatment abroad will face stricter checks to ensure compliance. While the government insists the measures will protect patients and public funds, the reforms also highlight the urgent need to expand specialized medical services locally to reduce reliance on overseas care.
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