Maraga raises concern over RUPHA’S suspension of SHA services
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has expressed deep concern over the Rural-Urban Private Hospitals Association’s (RUPHA) decision to suspend services under the Social Health Authority (SHA) due to the government’s failure to remit funds.
In a statement, on Friday, February 21, 2025, Maraga stated that the government’s failure to disburse owed funds is unacceptable, considering that Kenyans have consistently contributed to the SHA and its predecessor, the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Maraga went on to say that it is morally wrong for the government to subject Kenyans to suffering when they need health care services.
“I am deeply concerned by the news that the Rural Urban Private Hospitals Association intends to suspend healthcare services to Kenyans due to the failure of the government to remit funds for their services,” Maraga wrote via his official X account.
“The failure to remit refunds is unacceptable as the government-run Social Health Authority is responsible for these payments, and Kenyans have been paying into SHA (and before that into NHIF). It is wrong and morally unacceptable to subject Kenyans to suffering when they need hospital services and medicines.”
Urging the government to address the healthcare crisis to protect Kenyans’ right to medical services per the Constitution, former CJ pointed out that for the longest time, policies meant to support healthcare have often been sabotaged by corrupt practices in government.
“I imagine that some of these cases need urgent medical attention and cannot wait. Lives are at stake. The government must seriously address the crumbling of healthcare institutions. Our Constitution guarantees Kenyans the right to the highest attainable standard of health. For far too long, providing access to healthcare services has been chocked by poor policies and corrupt practices in government,” he said.
He emphasized that ensuring the best healthcare institutions is essential for realizing the aspirations of universal healthcare as outlined in the Constitution.
“We cannot be a people who make two steps forward and five steps backwards because a few people have found a way to game the industry and enrich themselves. A country with a sick population cannot advance. We must ensure the best healthcare institutions if we are to realize the aspirations of universal healthcare in our constitution,” he added.
RUPHA on SHA services
In a statement released on Thursday, February 20, 2025, RUPHA explained why it has become a difficult task to grant their services to patients through the new government scheme.
“The Rural & Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA), representing hundreds of private and faith-based healthcare facilities nationwide, announces today (Thursday, February 20, 2025) a suspension of services under the Social Health Authority (SHA) insurance scheme beginning Monday, 24th February 2025.
“As healthcare professionals, our first duty is the welfare of our patients. However, the continued failure to address critical challenges in the SHA transition is now directly endangering the quality and sustainability of care in our hospitals. This decision has not been made lightly,” the RUPHA statement read.
RUPHA added that they have had engagements concerning SHA and two issues emerged making it impossible to continue treating patients who are covered by the scheme.
“It follows months of failed engagements, unfulfilled promises, and growing financial distress among hospitals, which now threatens the very survival of healthcare institutions across Kenya.
“Despite numerous engagements with government authorities, two critical issues remain unresolved, making it impossible to sustain operations: Settlement of historical NHIF arrears Amounting to Kshs 30 Billion and rejection of the Unworkable SHA Outpatient Reimbursement Model,” the statement added.
I am deeply concerned at the news that the Rural Urban Private Hospitals Association intends to suspend healthcare services to Kenyans due to the failure of government to remit funds for their services.
The failure to remit refunds is unacceptable as the government-run Social…— David Maraga (@dkmaraga) February 21, 2025
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