How to Check if Your Hospital is Included In SHA Coverage?
The Social Health Authority (SHA) has provided some relief to Kenyans seeking clarity on their healthcare options. On Monday, SHA released an official list of all healthcare facilities contracted by the government to serve Kenyans registered with the new health scheme.
This news comes at a crucial time for patients suffering from chronic illnesses such as cancer and renal diseases, many of whom had been caught in confusion during the transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHA.
For Kenyans receiving treatment in government-owned hospitals, the new system has already been rolled out in levels 2 through 6 hospitals, ensuring that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted.
However, to confirm whether your hospital is part of this updated system, SHA advises Kenyans to visit their official website at https://sha.go.ke/resources/categories/2. The extensive list includes 4,760 public health facilities, ranging from dispensaries to teaching and referral hospitals across all 47 counties.
In addition to public healthcare facilities, SHA has also made provisions for those requiring specialized treatment for cancer and renal diseases. Fifty-three cancer care centers have been contracted in 20 counties, with Nairobi leading with 14 facilities. For renal disease patients, 180 healthcare centers have been approved, with coverage spread across all counties, ensuring comprehensive nationwide support.
However, private and faith-based hospitals have been a contentious issue since the rollout. Several private hospitals, lacking contracts with the government, had to turn away patients despite their SHA registration, causing widespread uproar. Viral videos of patients in need of critical care, such as dialysis, sparked public outrage. SHA responded by clarifying that 1,442 private facilities have now been contracted, after correcting earlier reports of a higher number.
In a move to further calm the public, SHA announced that private and faith-based hospitals that have yet to formalize contracts will continue offering services to registered patients until October 8. All medical expenses incurred until this date will be covered, ensuring that patients are not left stranded during the ongoing transition.
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How to Check if Your Hospital is Included In SHA Coverage?