The Ministry of Health has suspended the enforcement of the Social Health Authority (SHA) tariff system following widespread complaints from civil servants. Many had reported being denied treatment or forced to pay cash despite regular salary deductions for healthcare.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the decision after holding a high-level meeting aimed at resolving the crisis. He said the move was meant to ease pressure on patients and restore confidence in the system.
The ministry directed SHA to immediately withdraw the tariff-locking mechanism that had been configured in its system. This mechanism had limited access to services, triggering frustration among affected patients.
Under the new directive, all facilities contracted under SHA have been barred from charging civil servants for medication. The order takes effect immediately and applies across the entire network.
The government also suspended strict enforcement of tariffs until a nationwide agreement is reached. Officials noted that the decision aligns with existing contracts between SHA and healthcare providers.
To address urgent cases, a rapid response desk will be set up to handle complaints and emergencies. The desk will include representatives from SHA, the Public Service department, and the Union of Kenya Civil Servants.
Its role will include securing the release of patients detained in hospitals over unpaid bills. It will also process refunds for any illegal charges imposed on civil servants.
The crisis had hit patients with chronic illnesses the hardest, including those requiring dialysis and cancer treatment. Emergency cases were also affected, raising concerns about patient safety.
Despite the chaos, the ministry insisted that SHA services had not been officially suspended. It warned healthcare providers against demanding cash payments from eligible patients.
A strict “walk-in, walk-out” policy has now been introduced to eliminate co-payments. Facilities that violate these rules risk penalties, including removal from the SHA program.