David Maraga Slams Ruto Administration Over SHA Arrears To Hospitals
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has raised worry over the Rural Urban Private Hospitals Association’s (RUPHA) recent threat to cease Social Health Authority (SHA) healthcare services statewide due to the government’s refusal to pay owed payments.
This follows RUPHA chairperson Dr Brian Lishenga’s statement on Thursday, which highlighted previously overlooked issues in the new healthcare system.
These include 54% of hospitals not getting payments, 89% reporting SHA portal failures, and 83% having difficulty validating patient eligibility, all putting patients’ lives in danger.
On Friday, Maraga chastised SHA, and by extension the Ruto administration, for failing to meet its financial responsibilities to hospitals.
“I am deeply concerned at the news that the Rural Urban Private Hospitals Association intends to suspend healthcare services to Kenyans due to the failure of the government to remit funds for their services,” he said.
I am deeply concerned at the news that the Rural Urban Private Hospitals Association intends to suspend healthcare services to Kenyans due to the failure of government to remit funds for their services.
— David Maraga (@dkmaraga) February 21, 2025
The failure to remit refunds is unacceptable as the government-run Social…
“The failure to remit refunds is unacceptable as the government-run Social Health Authority is responsible for these payments, and Kenyans have been paying into SHA (and before that into NHIF).”
He added: “It is wrong and morally unacceptable to subject Kenyans to suffering when they need hospital services and medicines.”
Furthermore, Maraga warned that the consequences of RUPHA’s suspension of services could be disastrous, as many patients require immediate medical assistance that cannot be delayed.
“I imagine that some of these cases need urgent medical attention and cannot wait. Lives are at stake. Our Constitution guarantees Kenyans the right to the highest attainable standard of health,” Maraga said.
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He also attacked the ruling government’s failure to execute an efficient healthcare policy, which he claimed was exacerbated by corruption and poor management.
“The government must seriously address the crumbling of healthcare institutions. For far too long, providing access to healthcare services has been chocked by poor policies and corrupt practices in government,” said Maraga.
“We cannot be a people who make two steps forward and five steps backward because a few people have found a way to game the industry and enrich themselves.”
The former CJ continued: “A country with a sick population cannot advance. We must ensure the best healthcare institutions if we are to realize the aspirations of universal healthcare in our constitution.”
David Maraga Slams Ruto Administration Over SHA Arrears To Hospitals
