Teachers, SHA Medical Services to Be Suspended Over Pending Government Debt.
Starting Monday, February 24, teachers and police officers covered under government-backed insurance, such as the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) plan, will no longer receive treatment at certain hospitals.
The Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) announced on Thursday, February 20, that medical services for these civil servants would be suspended until outstanding debts are settled.
RUPHA stated that this decision was driven by the failure of the insurer to pay for services provided over the past year.
The association’s Deputy Chairperson, Rev. Joseph Kariuki, reported that hospitals under RUPHA would cease offering medical care to police officers and teachers using government insurance from the specified date.
Furthermore, patients under the Social Health Authority (SHA) will also be affected as the association has vowed to withhold treatment until their demands are met.
“No services to teachers, police, and SHA patients from Monday until the government honours our demands,” asserted Kariuki.
Outstanding Bills and Financial Strain
The association is calling on the government to settle all unpaid bills accumulated under the old National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) since 2017. By December last year, the government’s debt to private hospitals had reached approximately Ksh29 billion.
Despite assurances from authorities that the outstanding amount would be cleared, RUPHA insists that services will remain suspended until a clear payment plan is outlined.
Rev. Kariuki questioned why the Treasury does not prioritize the well-being of Kenyan citizens.
He highlighted the severe financial difficulties private hospitals face due to delayed payments, noting that many institutions have been auctioned, employees have lost their jobs, and specialists have refused to provide services.
Additionally, some doctors have now resorted to demanding cash payments before treating patients, further complicating access to healthcare.
Demands for a Review
In addition to demanding debt clearance, RUPHA is also urging the government to reassess the Global Budget Capitation for outpatient services.
This healthcare payment system allocates a fixed amount to providers to cover all necessary services for a designated population over a set period.
The model is designed to control costs, promote efficiency, and enhance service quality by encouraging preventive care and effective chronic disease management.
However, medical practitioners argue that the government’s current capitation rate of Ksh900, translating to Ksh75 per person per month, is inadequate.
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RUPHA is advocating for a revision of this system to ensure sustainable healthcare provision. Since its launch in October last year, SHA has faced numerous challenges, with the government acknowledging these issues and pledging to conduct a comprehensive review.
Until these financial and structural concerns are addressed, teachers, police officers, and SHA patients will have to seek alternative healthcare options as RUPHA hospitals suspend their services indefinitely..
Teachers, SHA Medical Services to Be Suspended Over Pending Government Debt.
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