The Principal Secretary for Public Health, Mary Muthoni, has issued a strong warning to healthcare institutions across the country against charging sick Kenyans for services that are either free or already covered under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Speaking in a statement released on Monday, January 19, PS Muthoni said the Ministry of Health would no longer tolerate the exploitation of patients, particularly those seeking care under Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme.
She described the practice of demanding unofficial payments from patients as unethical, illegal, and a betrayal of public trust.
“Please, do not steal from the unwell,” Muthoni warned healthcare providers, emphasizing that even small, illegal charges amount to extortion.
Hospitals Ordered to Display Service Charters
A key issue highlighted by the Public Health PS was the failure by many health facilities to display clear service charters, which outline the services offered and their respective costs.
According to Muthoni, patients have a constitutional right to know what services are available in any given facility before receiving treatment.
“I have seen patients visit a facility, and the facility does not give them information on what services are on offer,” she said.
She cited cases where hospitals register patients and only later inform them that certain services — such as laboratory tests — are unavailable, forcing patients to seek care elsewhere after already paying consultation fees.
“In some cases, a facility may lack laboratory services, but rather than inform the patient, the facility registers them and then refers them to another hospital,” she explained.
The PS insisted that all public and private health facilities must clearly display service charters so patients can make informed decisions about where to seek treatment.
Illegal Charges Under SHA and UHC
PS Muthoni further revealed that some hospitals were charging patients for services that are fully covered by SHA, despite receiving government reimbursements.
She condemned the practice, stating that no justification exists for asking patients to pay for services that have already been funded through public money.
“Charging patients for services that are free or covered by SHA is abuse of public trust,” she said.
The PS stressed that healthcare workers demanding small, unofficial fees were engaging in extortion, regardless of the amount involved.
Government to Investigate Rogue Facilities
Sending a clear warning to non-compliant institutions, Muthoni announced that the Ministry of Health would deploy inspectors to investigate hospitals suspected of illegally charging patients.
Facilities found guilty of extortion or misleading patients will face administrative and legal action.
“We will send our representatives to investigate and weed out facilities that continue to charge patients despite UHC coverage,” she stated.
The move is part of broader government efforts to clean up Kenya’s healthcare system and ensure that vulnerable patients are not exploited during moments of illness.
Commitment to Universal Health Coverage
The Public Health PS reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage, noting that the administration of President William Ruto is investing heavily to ensure healthcare is accessible, affordable, and transparent.
She emphasized that UHC and SHA are designed to reduce the financial burden on households and prevent Kenyans from falling into poverty due to medical expenses.
“There is no justification for charging patients for services already paid for through public funds,” Muthoni reiterated.
SHA Registration Scams Resurface
Muthoni’s warning comes months after Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale raised alarm over an emerging scam targeting Kenyans seeking to register for the Social Health Authority.
At the time, CS Duale noted that low public awareness had created loopholes exploited by fraudsters charging unsuspecting Kenyans for SHA registration — a process that is completely free.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and report anyone demanding money for SHA registration or related services.
Public Urged to Report Extortion
The Ministry of Health has encouraged Kenyans to report hospitals or individuals who charge for free or SHA-covered services.
Patients are advised to:
- Demand to see a facility’s service charter
- Ask whether a service is covered under SHA
- Report suspicious charges to the Ministry of Health or relevant authorities
As the government tightens oversight, officials say the goal is to restore trust in the healthcare system and protect patients from exploitation.