CS Duale: SHA to pay claims based on approved bed capacity

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has warned all healthcare facilities across the country against over-admitting patients.

Speaking before the National Assembly Health Committee on Tuesday, Duale stated that all hospitals will be required to admit patients strictly in accordance with their approved bed capacity.

He further directed the Social Health Authority (SHA) to vet hospital claims based strictly on licensed bed capacity, noting that claims for patients sharing beds will be treated as fraudulent.

“If facilities wish to admit more patients, they must invest in expanding their infrastructure,” said Duale, adding that bed sharing will now be treated as insurance fraud, and institutions involved will be held accountable.

The directive is part of broader reforms under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda aimed at improving standards of care, enforcing accountability, and ensuring patients are treated with dignity.

The session brought together the Ministry of Health, Council of Governors, and other stakeholders for a two-day retreat on UHC implementation.