Lower SHA premiums, RUPHA tells CS Duale
Days after the new Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale took office, the Rural & Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) wasted no time urging him to prioritize lowering Social Health Authority (SHA) premiums.
RUPHA has advised Duale that to succeed as Health CS, he must abandon the approaches taken by his predecessors and instead prioritize strengthening the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The association in a statement, is also calling on the CS to implement a robust IT system, ensure timely and adequate payments to hospitals, and enhance the benefits package for contributors to ensure the success of SHA.
During a press briefing following his familiarization tour, Health CS Aden Duale urged Kenyans to support the Social Health Authority (SHA), arguing that it had improved the healthcare sector.
"Those opposing SHA are cartels and tycoons. Every day, the news highlights the Ksh30 billion NHIF bill. Mark my words—once SHA is fully implemented, 60% of the clinics in estates will shut down. Many hospitals that seemed reputable only thrived due to NHIF fraud," Duale stated.
However, RUPHA disagreed with his remarks, cautioning that such populist rhetoric does not lead to success in the ministry. They emphasized the importance of practical, evidence-based solutions over political statements.
"The Ministry of Health gives no marks for populist talking points," RUPHA asserted.
RUPHA also called on the CS to realize that SHA's Benefits & Tariffs Committee, the Dispute Resolution Tribunal and Primary Healthcare Advisory Council are not in place.
"Primary healthcare funds have not been released for February 2025 and Cancer patients don't have access to the Emergency Chronic and Critical Illness Fund," posted the association.
Aden Duale becomes the third Cabinet Secretary to oversee the health sector since President Ruto assumed office.
The portfolio was initially held by Susan Nakhumicha, followed by Deborah Mulongo, and now Duale who is expected to address challenges in the crucial docket such as health workers strikes, alongside concerns over SHA.