The Social Health Authority (SHA) has entered a strategic partnership with two major hospitals in Kenya, making it possible for patients to access advanced medical services that cost over KSh 500,000. This initiative is a significant move towards improving access to high-cost, specialized healthcare for more Kenyans.
Who Are the Partner Hospitals?
The two hospitals involved in this partnership are among the country’s leading medical institutions. While SHA has yet to officially name them in public documents, reliable sources confirm these are top-tier facilities known for handling complex procedures like organ transplants, cardiac surgery, advanced oncology treatments, and neurointerventions.
These services are often unaffordable for the average Kenyan, with treatment costs ranging from KSh 500,000 to several million. The partnership aims to bridge that financial gap.
What Does This Mean for Patients?
For patients, this collaboration is a game-changer. Through SHA, those who qualify under the national health scheme can now access advanced medical services at no upfront cost, depending on eligibility. These include:
- Kidney and liver transplants
- Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy
- Open-heart surgeries
- Neurosurgeries
Previously, patients had to either fundraise or go without these lifesaving treatments. Now, access is becoming more equitable.
How Does It Work?
The SHA model links public funding to vetted private and public hospitals that meet specific service delivery standards. Hospitals are reimbursed for offering medical services over KSh 500K, based on pre-negotiated rates. Patients are referred through a centralized system that ensures appropriate allocation based on need, urgency, and hospital capacity.
To qualify, patients must be enrolled under the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), the recently launched universal health coverage plan meant to replace NHIF.
Broader Impact on Kenya’s Health System
This partnership is part of SHA’s broader plan to build a more robust healthcare ecosystem in Kenya. By directing funds into high-value medical services and supporting infrastructure at key hospitals, SHA aims to reduce outbound medical tourism and keep more patients in-country.
It also sets the stage for increased transparency, as these partnerships will be monitored closely to ensure funds are used efficiently and outcomes are measured.
Bottom Line
The SHA’s partnership with two top hospitals to provide advanced medical services over KSh 500K is more than a health policy win—it’s a lifeline. For many Kenyans, the cost of care has long stood between diagnosis and treatment. This initiative could be the turning point in making quality healthcare more accessible and equitable.
If successful, it may set a precedent for future collaborations that prioritize patient outcomes over cost barriers.
