Health CS Duale warns against illegal charging of PHC drugs
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, sent a stern warning to health institutions that are charging for PHC drugs.
Through a statement on his X account, the Cabinet Secretary expressed concern over the low drug dispensing rates, stating that this hints that some facilities could be billing and not issuing medicines.
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“SHA has noted with great concern the low drug dispensing rates, indicating that some facilities may be billing without issuing medicines.”
He went ahead to assert that the Social Health Authority (SHA) would not pay for claims of this nature and would, in turn, deduct the drug component.
The CS reiterated that all PHC services and medicines are fully covered under SHA, and patients should not pay.
“SHA will not pay such claims and will deduct the drug component where applicable. All PHC services and medicines are fully covered under SHA. Patients must not be charged,” the statement read.
Duale asked members of the public to be swift in reporting health facilities that charge for PHC medicine and services through the official channels.
The announcement drew reactions from members of the public on social media. One social media user, identified as Paul Ngigi, questioned;
“Waziri why SHA eligibility expires when one year is not over? For instance, mine I paid July 2025 and it expires April 2026.”
Minor Boi, a netizen, added concerns about service delivery, saying, “Charges are all over CS, from Registration to Pharmacy especially government dispensary where there’s no medicine with shortage of personnel… Where will my grandma report to? I thought government hospitals should win first and fast. Ironically.”
Others were more critical of the system itself. “Fraud is the Hallmark of SHA,” Dumoro, an X user, added, highlighting the frustrations citizens face despite coverage.
The CS’s statement comes at a time when complaints of irregular charging and drug shortages have been rising, prompting calls for stricter oversight of health facilities. SHA has urged the public to report such incidents promptly to ensure accountability and safeguard the benefits intended for all citizens.
