Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has introduced strict admission requirements that could lock out patients who cannot pay upfront or lack Social Health Authority (SHA) coverage, raising fears over access to essential healthcare for thousands of Kenyans.
Highlights:
- KNH now requires upfront payment or valid SHA coverage for patients.
- Those without cash or insurance risk being turned away.
- The move has sparked concern over healthcare accessibility for low-income families.
- KNH says the policy is aimed at reducing unpaid medical bills.
Kenyatta National Hospital, the country’s largest referral facility, has implemented new regulations requiring patients to provide proof of payment or valid Social Health Authority (SHA) coverage before receiving treatment.
According to the hospital, the policy aims to address the growing problem of unpaid medical bills, which has been draining resources and affecting service delivery.
The new directive has sparked an outcry, with critics warning that it could deny access to lifesaving care for patients from low-income backgrounds who cannot afford upfront fees or lack insurance.
Healthcare activists argue that the move goes against the right to health guaranteed in Kenya’s Constitution, urging the government to intervene and find a more inclusive solution.
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