The Ministry of Health has engaged private health providers in a training session on the global budget payment mechanism aimed at strengthening primary healthcare (PHC) services.
The session, held in collaboration with key stakeholders, sought to enhance providers’ understanding of outpatient service payments and the implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The training brought together members of the Rural-Urban and Private Hospitals Association (RUPHA), the Kenya Association of Private Hospitals (KAPH), and faith-based organizations (FBOs) to discuss the financial sustainability of PHC facilities.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Mr. Harry Kimtai, emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to improving payment transparency and integrating providers into the SHA claims dashboard.
“We have begun implementing the resolutions from our discussions with RUPHA officials, including integrating providers into the SHA claims dashboard to enhance payment transparency,” said Kimtai.
The session follows a February 24, 2025, meeting between the Ministry and RUPHA Chairperson Dr. Brian Lishenga, during which key agreements were made to improve service delivery. These include capacity-building initiatives, addressing outstanding claims, clarifying benefits packages, and refining outpatient reimbursement models.
PS Kimtai reassured stakeholders of the Ministry’s dedication to ensuring sufficient funds for primary healthcare. “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, Mr. Robert Ingarisa, emphasized the need for continuous system improvements to enhance efficiency. “Every system must undergo regular refinement to enhance efficiency,” he noted.
Dr. Lishenga described the engagement as productive and noted progress in refining the funding approach. “We are pleased with the discussions and shall share our views for consideration on ensuring financial protection for providers under the PHC model,” he stated.
The meeting was attended by representatives from SHA, the Ministry of Health, the Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK), the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), KAPH, RUPHA, and the Kenya Healthcare Federation (KHF), marking a collaborative step toward strengthening Kenya’s primary healthcare system.
