Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has issued a directive banning the practice of bed-sharing in public hospitals, calling it a long-standing and unacceptable issue that undermines patient dignity. The announcement was made during a Universal Health Coverage (UHC) session held in Mombasa, where Duale met with the National Assembly Health Committee and key stakeholders in the health sector.
The CS expressed deep concern over reports of multiple patients being forced to share a single hospital bed, while hospitals continue to bill the Social Health Authority (SHA) as if each patient had their own bed.
“We cannot have four people sharing one bed and still charge SHA for four separate beds,” Duale said. “If you want to admit more patients, buy more beds.”
Duale emphasized that this practice not only compromises the quality of healthcare but also exposes patients to increased risk of infections and discomfort, especially when sharing with strangers suffering from different ailments. He underscored the need for increased investment in hospital infrastructure to accommodate the growing patient population.
“There is no reason a Kenyan should sleep on the floor while others share a bed, especially when they don’t know each other or have the same condition,” he stated, urging immediate corrective measures.
The CS’s remarks come amid broader efforts to enhance transparency and accountability within the public health system. On June 29, Duale announced a nationwide crackdown on fraudulent activities targeting the SHA Fund, vowing to take action against healthcare facilities, workers, and even patients found abusing the system.
As part of the clampdown, the Ministry of Health has already shut down 31 private hospitals suspected of irregular dealings with the SHA Fund. These include seven hospitals in Kisumu, as well as facilities in Bungoma, Busia, Nairobi, Mandera, Wajir, Kajiado, and Kilifi.
Duale’s firm stance signals the government’s renewed commitment to delivering quality healthcare services under the Universal Health Coverage agenda. He called on all stakeholders to uphold ethical standards and ensure every Kenyan receives treatment in a safe, respectful, and dignified environment.
