The Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has issued new admission guidelines for patients seeking treatment under the recently introduced Social Health Authority (SHA) cover, in a move aimed at strengthening the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Kenya.
In a public notice released this week, KNH emphasized that SHA will not cater for any inpatient expenses unless the admission is correctly referenced at the time of hospital entry. The hospital has urged all patients to confirm their Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) status and obtain the necessary reference number prior to seeking care.
“Before coming to the hospital, patients must present a valid national ID registered under SHA and ensure their SHIF account is active,” the notice reads. “They must also have a reference number from SHA, accompanied by a confirmation message that the visit has been successfully initiated in the SHA system.”
For patients whose SHIF accounts are inactive, KNH advises that they first activate their membership before returning to the hospital’s Health Information Desk to obtain a new reference number. “If your SHIF is inactive at the time of admission; activate it immediately, return to the Health Information Desk to get a new reference number. This will allow you to benefit from SHA cover starting the date it’s issued,” the hospital stated.
The guidelines aim to streamline access to medical services and ensure that patients receive timely treatment without complications in billing under the new government health scheme. KNH’s move is part of the broader rollout of SHA protocols designed to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to all Kenyans.
The Social Health Authority was established to manage the Social Health Insurance Fund, which replaces the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), as part of reforms in the health sector. The SHA is tasked with ensuring the seamless provision of health services under the UHC framework.
KNH’s new directive signals the start of stricter adherence to SHA systems in public health facilities, and patients are urged to comply with the guidelines to avoid delays in accessing treatment.
