Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale recently made a bold statement about improving the Social Health Authority (SHA) in Kenya. Speaking at the Adams Arcade Mosque during Eid ul-Fitr celebrations, he stressed that any Ministry of Health workers who hinder SHA’s progress could lose their jobs. Duale aims to dismantle the cartels that he believes are undermining the government’s goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
His commitment to the SHA comes with the support of President William Ruto. Duale assures citizens that UHC is intended for everyone. He emphasized that health workers focused on personal interests should reconsider their priorities: "If you are working for personal interest, then you have no space in Afya House."
Since the SHA was launched nearly six months ago, there have been challenges. Many Kenyans are still hesitant to embrace the new healthcare system. Issues such as public skepticism and troubling behaviors among some government employees have complicated its rollout. Reports indicate that some workers have partnered with private hospitals to slow down SHA initiatives, which affects payments and the quality of care.
Hassan Ole Nado, the Chairperson of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), voiced concerns over certain private hospitals. He noted that these facilities are limiting SHA’s effectiveness to drive patients towards out-of-pocket expenses instead. "We have realized that hospitals are minimizing the cost of SHA. If someone seeks treatment through SHA, they reduce the money that can be used for the scheme," he shared.
Duale’s strong stance includes a warning that 60% of clinics operating under questionable circumstances may soon face closure. Many of these clinics were established through fraudulent means when the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), now replaced by SHA, was in place.
In recent discussions about UHC, a survey by the World Health Organization found that only 67% of Kenyans understand what UHC means. This highlights the critical need for better awareness and education about the SHA and its benefits. Many citizens remain unaware of their rights to access healthcare services.
As the government pushes forward, Duale is determined to create a healthcare system that serves all Kenyans fairly. His actions over the coming months will be crucial in shaping the future of healthcare in Kenya. For more about the government’s healthcare initiatives, you can refer to the World Health Organization’s report.
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