Private Hospitals Hit Back At Govt Over Closure Threats

The Kenya Association of Private Hospitals (KAPH) has strongly opposed the government’s threats to shut down and revoke licenses for private healthcare facilities over concerns about their participation in the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme.

In a statement, KAPH Chair Eric Musau expressed concern over remarks made by Health Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai, who warned that private hospitals could face closure if they refuse to take part in the scheme due to unpaid claims.

Musau emphasized that private healthcare providers remain committed to supporting the government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda but warned that financial constraints caused by delayed payments under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) are threatening their operations.

“Many private hospitals are owed millions of shillings in unsettled claims, some exceeding Sh10 million. These funds are critical for daily hospital operations, including purchasing medical supplies, paying staff, and providing essential services to Kenyans,” Musau said.

He criticized the government’s approach, arguing that instead of addressing these concerns, the Ministry of Health had resorted to issuing threats.

“It is regrettable that rather than resolving these financial challenges, the Ministry is opting to intimidate private healthcare providers. Such actions not only undermine efforts to achieve UHC but also unfairly target facilities that continue to serve Kenyans despite facing significant financial strain,” he added.

KAPH stressed that private hospitals cannot sustainably provide services under any government health scheme without timely payments.

The association described the government’s threats as unfortunate and warned that they could cripple a sector that plays a vital role in the country’s healthcare system.

Musau called for immediate engagement between private healthcare providers, the Ministry of Health, and SHA leadership to resolve the pending payments and develop a structured implementation plan that protects both patients and hospitals.

“KAPH remains open to constructive dialogue but urges the government to urgently address pending financial obligations,” he said.