Healthcare crisis looms as faith-based hospitals warn of shutdown over SHA debts

Kenyans are staring at yet another healthcare crisis if the government fails to urgently make payments to faith-based hospitals.

Nairobi Diocese Archbishop Philip Anyolo has announced that all faith-based hospitals in the country may shut down due to pending Social Health Authority (SHA) debts.

Archbishop Anyolo says the non-payment of pending bills cripples the hospitals and they’re no longer able to continue operating normally.

"It is obvious, if they don’t pay, there will be a shutdown. You know the church has a bigger percentage of medical services to help the government and the people of Kenya,” said Anyolo

This comes barely a fortnight after President William Ruto assured all faith-based hospitals that their claims would be settled immediately.

Faith-based organizations play a significant role in Kenya's healthcare system, accounting for over 40% of healthcare services nationwide.

The looming shutdown will disproportionately affect the poor, as most of these hospitals are located in remote areas, providing essential services to communities with limited access to healthcare.

Three weeks after President Ruto promised that claims affecting public, faith-based, and private hospitals would be paid immediately, the order he directed: “Pay all hospitals with total claims of Ksh.10 million and below in full, representing 91% of all facilities contracted by NHIF.”

That directive, however, was either disregarded by those tasked with implementing it or the President offered lip service only.

"It is going to incapacitate us, and we may not be able to provide services as per the strategic plan. If we get this money, we will be able to run this hospital in a better way," said Father Simon Nganga - Board Chair, Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital in Thika.

Archbishop Anyolo added, "We give services, but we also need to improve on those services, and it's important that we are also listened to and work together with the Ministry of Health and also the government as such."

Nearly three weeks have passed since President Ruto directed that small claims be paid, yet faith-based hospitals across the country have not received the funds.

The closure of these institutions would likely lead to increased healthcare costs and reduced access, particularly affecting marginalized and vulnerable groups who rely heavily on them for essential medical services.