DPP orders prosecution of 8 hospital owners, KMPDC official over SHA payments fraud

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has approved charges against several hospital owners, directors and a regulatory official over alleged fraudulent registration and payment claims involving the Social Health Authority (SHA).

In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, the ODPP said it reviewed investigation files submitted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) between January 28 and February 24 and found sufficient evidence to prosecute multiple individuals and health facilities suspected of illegally enrolling institutions, operating without licences and obtaining money by false pretences from the public health insurer.

At Danaba Care Hospital, directors Mohammed Kulow Ali and Hassan Adan Ibrahim will face charges of conspiracy to defraud and operating an unlicensed health facility.

The two are also listed among directors linked to Adfaal Kids Care Medical Centre, where Mohamed Mohamud Sheikh, Ali Ahmed Adan and Mohamednoor Ismael Omar have similarly been approved for prosecution over conspiracy to defraud, operating an unlicensed facility and acquisition of proceeds of crime.

Former directors of Kamishawa Medical Centre, Kamsia Hassan Kala and Hawa Alinoor Malo, are set to be charged with conspiracy to defraud and related offences tied to fraudulent registration and payments.

At Kaafi Nursing Home, proprietors Ibrahim Rashid and Ahmed Mohamud Adan will face counts of obtaining money by false pretences and operating an unlicensed facility. The nursing home itself has also been listed as an accused entity.

Three proprietors of Mama Nerbeel Nursing Home - Naima Sheikh Ali, Abdihakim Sheikh Ali and Adan Abdikhaliq Abdullah - have also been approved for prosecution on charges of obtaining money by false pretences and running an unlicensed health facility.

Ali Edin Ibrahim, the owner of Alati Nursing Home, will face similar charges, with the facility also named separately in the case.

Ismail Omar Mohammed, proprietor of Julun Nursing Home, and the institution itself will likewise face charges of obtaining money by false pretences and operating without the required licence.

Dimtu Nursing Home Limited and its director, Yussuf Siat Jelle, have been cited for conspiracy to defraud, operating an unlicensed health facility and acquisition of proceeds of crime linked to fraudulent claims and payments.

Also facing charges is Harun Liluma, an employee of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), who is accused of unauthorized access to a computer system, abuse of office, conspiracy to defraud and computer fraud.

Prosecutors allege he used his position to facilitate irregular registrations and payments to several of the implicated facilities.