SHA doesn’t fund ghost hospitals – Health Authority

Social Health Authority (SHA) has refuted allegations that it allocated nearly KShs. 20 million to a nonexistent health facility in Homa Bay County, labeling the reports as “false and misleading.”

In a statement to newsrooms, SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Mwangangi clarified that the funds were legitimately sent to Nyandiwa Level 4 Hospital, a fully operational facility in Gwassi, Suba South, which has been serving the community since the 1970s.

“The disbursement of KShs.19,998,720 represents legitimate and accumulatedclaims duly processed in line with SHA’s strict verification and payment protocols,” she stated

Dr. Mwangangi explained that while the hospital’s bank account is still labeled “Nyandiwa Dispensary,” this is a standard practice during facility upgrades and does not reflect any irregirregularities.

“SHA does not and will never disburse funds to non-existent or uncontracted facilities.Every payment is subject to rigorous verification to safeguard public funds andstrengthen health service delivery,” said Dr. Mwangangi

She also debunked depictions of an abandoned building, asserting that the structure in question is an incomplete project from a previous county administration and is unrelated to SHA’s operations.

“It has never been contracted by SHA and has no transacting rights,” the CEO explained

Mwangangi says there is nothing to hide and the public can access all payments made to facilities on the SHA website,which are posted after each disbursement.

The SHA boss urged media organizations to confirm facts with relevant authorities before publishing, reiterating the necessity of accurate reporting, particularly regarding critical health financing issues.