The Ministry of Health has engaged private healthcare providers in a crucial discussion on the implementation of the global budget payment mechanism for outpatient services at the primary healthcare (PHC) level.
In a meeting held Thursday with representatives from the Rural-Urban and Private Hospitals Association (RUPHA), the Kenya Association of Private Hospitals (KAPH), and Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs), the ministry also outlined plans for the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Harry Kimtai, emphasised that the training stemmed from key resolutions reached during a recent engagement with RUPHA officials at Afya House.
“We have begun implementing the resolutions, including integrating providers into the SHA claims dashboard to enhance payment transparency,” he said.
During the February 24, 2025 meeting between the Ministry of Health and RUPHA Chairperson Dr. Brian Lishenga, key agreements were reached to improve service delivery in RUPHA facilities.
These included capacity-building initiatives for providers on the PHC model, granting access to the claims dashboard, addressing outstanding claims, clarifying the benefits package, and refining outpatient reimbursement models to ensure financial sustainability for providers.
PS Kimtai reassured stakeholders of the availability of funds for primary healthcare and reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to addressing concerns promptly. “We value these engagements and will ensure stakeholders’ views are considered. The Ministry of Health is committed to taking positive action,” he affirmed.
SHA Acting CEO, Robert Ingarisa, welcomed feedback from health providers, stressing the importance of continuous system improvement. “Every system must undergo regular refinement to enhance efficiency,” he noted.
Dr. Lishenga described the engagement as productive, citing progress in refining the funding approach. “We are pleased with the discussions and engagement and shall share our views for consideration on ensuring financial protection for providers under the PHC model,” he said.
The meeting brought together representatives from SHA, the Ministry of Health, CHAK, KCCB, KAPH, RUPHA, KHF
marking a collaborative step toward strengthening Kenya’s primary healthcare system.
