Kenya Cracks Down on Public Hospitals Failing to Dispense Medicines
Nairobi, Kenya – Kenya’s Social Health Authority (SHA) will no longer reimburse county and sub-county hospitals for medicines if patients fail to receive prescribed drugs, a major policy shift aimed at curbing systemic inefficiencies in public healthcare.
The decision, announced by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Wednesday, follows alarming data from the government’s Digital Health Superhighway, which exposed widespread gaps in Level 4 and 5 hospitals. Investigations revealed that patients undergo consultations, lab tests, and even surgeries—only to leave without essential medications.
Patients Forced to Buy Drugs Privately
Duale told senators that many public hospitals are surrounded by private pharmacies, where patients are frequently redirected to purchase medicines out of pocket. This practice, he said, has led to significant financial strain on vulnerable Kenyans.
“Under the new policy, SHA will cover all treatment costs except for drugs if facilities fail to provide them,” Duale explained. “This ensures hospitals are held accountable.”
Kakamega Provincial General Hospital emerged as a key example, where over 52,000 patients reportedly received treatment without being dispensed medicines. Similar trends were flagged in Nairobi and Bomet counties.
Push for KEMSA Reliance and Fraud Crackdown
The move is also designed to pressure hospitals to procure medicines exclusively from the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), which has significantly improved its stock availability. KEMSA’s current order fulfillment rate stands at 92%, with full capacity expected by year-end.
Meanwhile, digitization efforts have helped uncover fraud, leading to the closure of 1,200 fraudulent health facilities and the suspension of 22 doctors and 40 clinicians linked to malpractice.
Legacy NHIF Debts Addressed
To ease the transition from the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), the government has allocated Sh4 billion to settle verified claims, particularly those under Sh10 million. SHA has already processed 74% of claims, adhering to a strict 90-day payment window.
Broader Health Reforms Underway
Beyond financing, the ministry is rolling out expanded cancer care services, including a new linear accelerator at Kenyatta National Hospital and regional cancer centers in Kisii, Nyeri, Meru, and Kisumu.
Additional measures include stricter tobacco control policies and the implementation of the Kenya Climate Change and Health Strategy (2024–2029) to combat climate-related health risks.
The reforms signal Kenya’s push for a more transparent, efficient healthcare system—but patients and providers alike will be watching closely to see if the changes translate into better care on the ground.
— Reported by Nexio News
