The government’s health financing reforms under the Social Health Authority (SHA) are already showing results, with 95 percent of cancer patients enrolled in the scheme receiving treatment at no cost, according to Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga.

Speaking during an interview on NTV’s Fixing the Nation show on Wednesday, Oluga said the revamped national health system is easing the financial burden for patients and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving access and transparency in healthcare.

“95 percent of cancer patients under SHA are not paying anything at the hospital,” said Oluga, pointing to the immediate impact of the programme since it began earlier this year.

The SHA package includes a wide range of services for cancer patients, from screening and diagnosis to surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, imaging, laboratory tests, and palliative care.

Each patient is entitled to an annual benefit limit of 550,000 shillings, 400,000 from the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and an additional 150,000 from the Chronic Illness Fund.

Oluga acknowledged that while the structure is in place, there have been complaints from patients regarding access and the quality of services.

He said the Ministry of Health is aware of the gaps and is taking steps to address them.

“The government will share a list of services offered under SHA at every health facility,” Oluga said.

This is part of a wider plan to ensure patients know exactly what they are entitled to, and to strengthen public confidence in the system.

According to him, this transparency effort also includes the use of digital tracking tools and regular hospital audits.

He also cautioned health facilities against malpractice, where some reportedly register patients under SHA but fail to provide medication or services.

The PS said strict audits and compliance checks are being enforced to eliminate fraud and hold facilities accountable.

Timely reimbursement to hospitals remains a top priority for the government. Under the SHA system, hospitals are expected to submit service reports by the 9th or 14th of the following month to allow for efficient financial processing.

However, some hospitals have raised concerns about delayed payments and are said to be reconsidering their contracts with SHA.

Despite these issues, Oluga maintained that the SHA model marks an important step toward affordable and equal healthcare for all Kenyans.

The cancer support package, in particular, is being viewed as a breakthrough for patients who had previously been locked out of essential care due to high costs.

To further improve service delivery, SHA has introduced a digital platform aimed at improving data tracking and operational efficiency in hospitals.

The platform is expected to enhance monitoring, reduce fraud, and ensure patients receive the services they are entitled to under the scheme.