Human Rights Activist Speaks Out Against Private Hospitals’ Rejection of SHA and Alleged Corruption

 

Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has raised alarm over the ongoing rejection of the Standard Health Accreditation (SHA) initiative by private hospitals, calling the move part of a broader political agenda designed to undermine the government’s efforts to root out corruption within the healthcare sector. Ngetich argues that the stance taken by these private institutions is less about improving healthcare standards and more about punishing the government for its efforts to curb the rampant corruption that had plagued the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).

Speaking to the press from his Eldoret office, Ngetich strongly criticized private hospitals for what he described as "deliberate exploitation" of the healthcare system for personal gain. “The rejection of SHA by private hospitals is nothing short of a political move aimed at sabotaging the reforms that this government is trying to implement. These hospitals have been benefiting from fictitious claims and inflated medical bills under the former NHIF system, and now they are resisting accountability,” Ngetich stated.

Ngetich’s remarks come in the wake of widespread accusations that some private healthcare providers had formed a network within the NHIF system that enabled them to submit fraudulent claims, leading to significant financial losses for the country. The activist pointed out that many private hospitals had been overcharging patients for basic treatments, with figures such as Ksh 50,000 for outpatient services for conditions like malaria and a common cough now under scrutiny.

According to Ngetich, such inflated billing practices were particularly targeted at vulnerable groups, including children, who often require treatment for conditions like common colds and coughs. “It is deeply concerning that these hospitals have been exploiting children by exaggerating their medical bills. This is a clear violation of basic human rights,” he added.

The activist also expressed concern over the alleged collaboration between certain private hospitals and medical unions to frustrate the SHA initiative. He argued that strikes in public institutions, alongside the rejection of SHA, were part of a coordinated effort to destabilize the health sector and create confusion, which ultimately harms ordinary citizens who rely on both public and private healthcare services.

“Doctors in public hospitals are organizing strikes, while those in private hospitals are rejecting SHA, which only adds to the chaos and suffering of the average Kenyan. This is a political maneuver designed to prevent progress in the health sector,” Ngetich said, calling for an immediate investigation into these actions.

Ngetich also questioned the excessive costs that private hospitals were charging for basic medical services. “How can a malaria test that costs about Ksh 300 in public hospitals be billed at five times that amount in private hospitals? How can a Panadol syrup that costs Ksh 400 in a pharmacy be charged four times that amount in private hospital bills? This is blatant exploitation,” he stated.

The human rights activist emphasized that while medical practitioners deserve fair compensation and better working conditions, this should never come at the expense of the basic human rights of Kenyans to receive affordable healthcare. He urged both the government and healthcare providers to come together for constructive dialogue to address these concerns.

“We cannot allow the health sector to be held hostage by private hospitals and union officials who are more focused on political gains than the well-being of the citizens. We must demand accountability from these institutions and ensure that their actions are in line with the rights of the Kenyan people,” Ngetich concluded.

As the situation continues to unfold, Ngetich is calling for a thorough investigation into the demands of private hospitals, the persistent strikes by medical unions, and the allegations of corruption within the health sector. He has urged the government to step in and hold these institutions accountable, while also ensuring that the healthcare sector remains accessible and affordable for all Kenyans.

Ngetich’s bold stance has garnered support from various rights groups and concerned citizens, who are calling for swift action to resolve the ongoing issues in the healthcare sector.

February 21, 2025