Duale issues warning to non-compliant health facilities
By Kenneth Mwenda, May 28, 2025Kenya’s Health Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, has issued a stern ultimatum to non-compliant medical facilities, vowing to publish a “list of shame” by June 14, 2025.
The list will expose health facilities previously contracted under the now-defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) that have engaged in fraudulent practices.
Duale’s announcement underscores the Ministry of Health’s commitment to rooting out unqualified practitioners and enforcing compliance with regulations as part of the rollout of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
He also emphasised the Ministry’s resolve to crack down on unqualified medical practitioners, urging all players in the health sector to operate within the law. This enforcement, he noted, is central to the ongoing implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The new collaboration with AKUH, formalised at the event, aims to enhance access to critical medical procedures, including kidney transplants and cardiac surgeries, through the Social Health Authority (SHA). The initiative targets vulnerable Kenyans, reducing the financial burden of life-saving treatments.
“This partnership is a pivotal step in eliminating catastrophic health costs,” Duale said. “No Kenyan should be denied treatment due to financial constraints.”
SHA-AKUH partnership
The SHA-AKUH partnership will leverage AKUH’s expertise to provide subsidised services for SHA beneficiaries, aligning with the Ministry’s goal of affordable healthcare. Duale called on other healthcare providers–public, private, and faith-based–to emulate this model and fully implement the SHA Tariff and Benefits Package to ensure seamless access to care.
Dr. Sulaiman Shahbuddin, President of Aga Khan University, emphasised the institution’s commitment to the initiative.
The event was attended by senior officials, including Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni and SHA Chairman Dr. Abdi Mohamed. The Ministry’s crackdown on fraudulent facilities and its push for partnerships like SHA-AKUH signal a robust approach to strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system, ensuring quality and affordability for all citizens.