Lifesaving surgeries within reach as government, Aga Khan Hospital sign deal

Aga Khan University Hospital and Social Health Authority Sign Strategic Partnership to Advance Equitable Access to Specialised Care

The Social Health Authority (SHA) has today signed a partnership agreement with Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH), paving the way for eligible Kenyans to access advanced medical procedures specifically kidney transplants and heart surgeries—under Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme, with no out-of-pocket costs.

The agreement which was signed during an official ceremony at Aga Khan University’s Nairobi campus, by Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale and Rashid Khalani, AKUH’s CEO, and witnessed by Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, the University’s Vice Chancellor, seeks to provide critical financial protection to eligible SHA patients requiring Kidney Transplants and various Cardiac Surgeries services that might otherwise be beyond their financial reach, exceeding the coverage provided by the SHA Tariff.

Under the agreement, SHA will vet, assess and approve patients for specialised treatment in collaboration with the hospital.

Once approved, each case will be fully covered up to Ksh. 700,000, which includes the surgery and necessary post-operative care as per SHA’s national care package.

In a statement, SHA has committed to maintaining transparency in patient selection and to ensure timely communication with the hospital for seamless service delivery.

“On its part, Aga Khan University Hospital will provide high-quality surgical and post-surgical care to all approved patients, in accordance with national clinical standards and protocols.” The statement read.

The hospital will also maintain detailed patient records, submit timely invoices in line with SHA’s financial and reporting requirements, and ensure follow-up care and aftercare as needed.

Additionally, AKUH will share regular progress and outcomes reports with SHA, including treatment statistics and procedural data.

Speaking during the signing on of the pact, CS Duale said the partnership directly supports the commitment to Universal Health Coverage by making advanced medical care available to all Kenyans.

“This partnership directly supports our commitment to Universal Health Coverage by making advanced medical care available to all Kenyans, regardless of their economic status,” said Aden Duale. “By partnering with reputable institutions like Aga Khan University Hospital and leveraging mechanisms such as the Patient Welfare Program, we are accelerating access to life-saving care for vulnerable citizens across the country.”

The partnership will also be strengthened by AKUH’s annual revolving Patient Welfare Program, which provides financial support for patients who would otherwise be unable to afford specialised care.

The initiative reflects AKUH’s longstanding commitment to equitable health access and social responsibility.

Aga Khan University Hospital CEO, Rashid Khalani said, “We are honoured to work with the Social Health Authority in this national effort to expand access to life-saving surgeries. This collaboration reflects our commitment to giving back to society by delivering care to those most in need, while upholding world-class medical standards. Our facilities, technology, and highly trained specialists are aligned to ensure every patient receives quality treatment with dignity.”