Ministry of Health staff involved in obstructing the efforts to improve the Social Health Authority (SHA) could face dismissal, according to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
Speaking at the Adams Arcade Mosque during Eid ul-Fitr celebrations on Sunday, Duale vowed to take strong action against cartels he accused of deliberately undermining the government’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The CS emphasized that no one would be allowed to stand in the way of healthcare reforms.
Duale revealed that he had already consulted with President William Ruto regarding his mandate in the new docket, with the President supporting his decision to take any necessary steps to ensure the success of SHA.
“With the commitment of the President and my commitment, I want to assure Kenyans that universal healthcare is for all citizens,” Duale said.
He also issued a stern warning to those with personal interests, urging them to choose between serving the public or pursuing their own agendas.
“For those with personal interests, they better come to their senses and decide whether they want to work for citizens or work for themselves,” he added.
Nearly six months after the rollout of SHA, the new healthcare system has yet to gain full acceptance, with the government grappling with challenges such as public stigma and resistance within certain sectors.
There have also been reports of some government employees allegedly colluding with private hospitals to undermine SHA efforts, resulting in delayed payments and disrupted service delivery.
Hassan Ole Nado, Chairperson of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), raised concerns during the Eid celebrations, noting that some private hospitals were limiting the use of SHA in favor of cash payments.
“We have realized that hospitals are minimizing the cost of SHA.
If someone seeks treatment through SHA, they reduce the money that can be used for the scheme,” Ole Nado remarked, urging Duale to take action against such practices.
In response, Duale warned that individuals within his ministry acting out of self-interest would be removed from their positions.
“If you are working for personal interest, then you have no space in Afya House,” he declared.
Duale’s remarks come just days after he announced plans to shut down most private clinics in residential areas once SHA is fully implemented.
He revealed that up to 60 percent of these clinics were established through fraudulent activities linked to the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), which has since been replaced by SHA.
Duale’s commitment to addressing the issues surrounding SHA and his firm stance on rooting out corruption within the Ministry of Health signal a determined effort to ensure that the vision of Universal Health Coverage becomes a reality for all Kenyans.
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