Intro:
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has issued a directive scrapping the use of OTP-based authorization within the SHA system, mandating all approvals be done via biometric health ID or the Practice 360 app effective immediately.
Highlights:
- OTP-based authorization in SHA is now officially discontinued.
- Approvals must be done via biometric health ID or Practice 360 app.
- The directive aims to enhance security and streamline healthcare access.
- Health CS Aden Duale says the change takes effect immediately.
- The update is part of ongoing SHA system upgrades.
Main Story:
Kenyans seeking healthcare services under the Smart Health Access (SHA) program will now have to authorize procedures and benefits using their biometric health ID or the official Practice 360 app. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale made the announcement, confirming that OTP (One-Time Password) authorization is no longer accepted.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, is part of broader efforts to tighten data security and improve the efficiency of the SHA system. Duale emphasized that biometric verification and the mobile app are more secure, harder to manipulate, and align with the Ministry’s long-term goal of fully digitizing Kenya’s public health services.
The ministry cited rising concerns over OTP-based fraud, delays in care delivery, and authentication loopholes as key reasons for the policy change. The new system promises faster approvals, fewer errors, and greater accountability between health facilities and patients.
Healthcare providers and patients alike have been urged to adopt the Practice 360 app and complete biometric registration at the earliest opportunity to ensure uninterrupted service.
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Will this tech-driven shift mark a new era of trust and efficiency in Kenya’s public health sector or expose gaps in digital accessibility?
