The Rural & Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) has called off its boycott of Social Health Authority (SHA) services. 

This follows President William Ruto’s directive to clear NHIF arrears owed to hospitals for claims of Sh10 million and below.

In a statement, RUPHA says the president’s directive failed to fully resolve the financial distress in hospitals, adding that it will continue to monitor the government’s actions to ensure full implementation of the directive.

“The Executive Committee of the Rural & Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) acknowledges the progress made following our collective action, which has resulted in President William Samoei Ruto’s directive to begin settling NHIF arrears and establish a verification process for larger claims.”

“We recognize that this directive does not fully resolve all concerns but represents a critical first step in addressing the financial distress facing healthcare facilities. After extensive deliberations, we have reached a decision to call off the boycott of SHA services, effective immediately, while closely monitoring the government’s actions to ensure full implementation of its commitments,” stated the association.

The association, which represents private and faith-based hospitals, said the government’s failure to settle Sh30 billion in arrears and address operational concerns had made it impossible to continue offering services.

Last week, RUPHA announced an indefinite suspension of SHA services, citing unpaid claims and an unsustainable reimbursement model.

RUPHA also withdrew from the Medical Administrator Kenya Limited (MAKL) scheme, which covers teachers and police officers, citing 11 months of unpaid claims, unexplained fee deductions, and preferential treatment of MAKL-owned clinics.

The suspension of services under MAKL, however, will continue due to the lack of engagement and action from the provider.

“If MAKL and its underwriters, Minet and CIC, do not take immediate action to address these issues, RUPHA will escalate the matter to regulatory authorities and legal channels to protect healthcare providers from exploitative financial practices.”

In his directive on Wednesday evening, Ruto also directed the Ministry of Health to verify all claims above Sh10 million and clear them in 90 days.