According to the Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association (RUPHA), the decision comes after repeated system failures and delayed payments that have made it increasingly difficult for hospitals to operate smoothly.
RUPHA Chairperson, Dr. Brian Lishenga, explained that the hospitals have struggled to receive timely payments from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) and Medical Administrators Kenya Limited (MAKL).
“Many facilities have not been reimbursed for months, and some claims date back as far as 2017. This situation is unsustainable,” he said.
Hospital administrators have reported multiple issues affecting patient care under SHA, including prolonged portal downtimes, delayed OTP verifications, and challenges in tracking claims.
About 54 percent of private hospitals have not received any payments from SHA, while 89 percent report recurring system failures that disrupt services.
Furthermore, 83 percent of hospitals face difficulties in verifying patient eligibility, leaving both patients and staff frustrated.
Despite the suspension, RUPHA assured that emergency services will continue uninterrupted.
Patients already admitted under SHA or MAKL will still receive care until discharge, and hospitals will provide guidance on alternative payment options for those who need treatment.
“Our primary concern is the wellbeing of patients. While SHA services will be temporarily paused, emergencies will always be attended to, and we encourage patients to seek help without fear,” Dr. Lishenga added.
The suspension is expected to affect thousands of patients who rely on SHA for access to private healthcare.
Many are now being advised to prepare for out-of-pocket payments or to visit facilities that continue to accept SHA services.
The uncertainty has sparked discussions on the need for reforms in the management of public health coverage and private sector partnerships.
The government has issued warnings to hospitals about discontinuing SHA services, reminding them that failure to comply could result in revocation of accreditation.
Officials, however, have promised to engage stakeholders to find long-term solutions for payment delays and system improvements.
This move by private hospitals highlights growing tensions between the healthcare sector and authorities.
