The Rural Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) has accused the Social Health Authority (SHA) of allowing suspended facilities back into its online system.
According to RUPHA, a system bug gave access to hospitals that had been suspended over fraud and compliance cases. The lobby says this happened in the last 24 hours.
Suspended Hospitals Back Online
In a statement on Thursday, RUPHA said the bug affected the SHA portal and reinstated all suspended facilities.
“Over the last 24 hours, all facilities suspended due to fraud investigations or compliance concerns have had their access reinstated due to a system bug,” RUPHA claimed.
The group warned that the move could put patients at risk. It argued that some of these hospitals had serious compliance issues and should not be allowed to operate unchecked.
Risk to Patients and the War on Fraud
RUPHA cautioned that allowing flagged facilities to operate without proper checks could expose patients to unregulated services. It also warned that this would weaken the fight against healthcare fraud.
SHA has not yet responded to the claims. Attempts to reach its officials were unsuccessful. A representative said they needed more time to look into the matter.
SHA Already Under Scrutiny
The claims come as SHA faces public criticism during its transition from the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Patients and hospitals have complained of delayed payments and exaggerated claims. Some hospitals were accused of charging for services never offered.
In August, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said fraud in healthcare is a global problem. He noted it accounts for up to 15 percent of total health spending.
The ministry also announced a crackdown. So far, 728 non-compliant facilities have been closed and 301 downgraded by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC).
The latest claims from RUPHA could further damage public trust in the new system if not addressed quickly.
