Former Chief Justice David Maraga has condemned the Kenya Kwanza government for failing to provide sustainable health services to Kenyans despite them paying for the Social Health Authority(SHA).
Reacting to the recent developments that all hospitals under the Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) would no longer be offering services to patients under SHA, Maraga described the situation as wrong and morally unacceptable, subjecting Kenyans to suffering.
On Thursday, RUPHA announced that Kenyans under SHA will not be getting health services due to the failure of the government to remit funds for their services.
“The decision follows months of failed engagements, unfulfilled promises, and growing financial distress among hospitals, which now threatens the very survival of healthcare institutions across Kenya,” RUPHA said in a statement.
Social Health Authority building in Nairobi
Photo
Wingubox
Maraga has demanded that the government act promptly to restore these services and ensure all Kenyans can access medical care.
The former Chief Justice challenged the Kenya Kwanza government to uphold the Constitution, which guarantees Kenyans the right to the highest attainable standard of health.
“I imagine that some of these cases require urgent medical attention and cannot wait. Lives are at stake. The government must seriously address the crumbling of healthcare institutions,” the former CJ noted.
Maraga blamed the failure of the SHA system on poor policies and corrupt practices within the government.
With the collapse of the SHA system, Maraga argued that Kenya is regressing instead of progressing, as a few individuals have found ways to exploit the industry for personal gain.
“A country with a sick population cannot advance. We must ensure the best healthcare institutions if we are to realise the aspirations of universal healthcare outlined in our Constitution.”
From Monday, February 24, all patients visiting hospitals under RUPHA and relying on SHA will struggle to access medical services.
RUPHA also announced that its hospitals would stop treating select civil servants using insurance backed by government institutions.
Since its inception, Kenyans have complained of difficulties in accessing medical services due to a failing system and limited funds.
Medical Services PS Harry Kimutai(left) with Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Mulongo when the latter assumed office.
Ministry of Health