Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale has promised that nothing will stop him from delivering reforms in Kenya’s health sector.
Crackdown on Fraud
Speaking in Vihiga, Duale revealed that his ministry is investigating fraudulent claims worth billions of shillings. He said that some health facilities had tried to siphon money through the Social Health Authority (SHA).
“The data we have is not with the people on TV. Doctors are happy. The only people complaining are cartels. Their files are already with the DCI,” Duale said.
The CS confirmed that names of the facilities have been forwarded to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for action.
Billions Under Review
According to Duale, SHA claims worth Ksh.3 billion are under review due to missing documents. Another Ksh.2.1 billion is still being investigated.
The ministry has already rejected Ksh.10.6 billion in claims. These were flagged for fraudulent practices such as:
- Upcoding of services
- Falsifying medical records
- Converting outpatient cases into inpatient admissions
- Billing for non-existent patients
Closure of Illegal Facilities
More than 85 health facilities are currently under probe. At the same time, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has closed 544 unlicensed facilities across the country.
Duale said genuine facilities will receive their payments once they provide proper documentation. He warned that all bills must go through forensic audit and verification.
“We must pay only genuine claims. Do not attempt backdating. Reforms are unstoppable, and cartels will not derail us,” Duale emphasized.
Safeguarding Public Funds
The Health CS said the reforms aim to protect taxpayers’ money and ensure patients receive quality services. His tough stance signals a deeper crackdown on fraud as Kenya pushes for universal health coverage under SHA.
