The Ministry of Health has assured the public that no patient will be held in hospitals due to the NHIF-SHA transition in a statement released on Thursday.

"SHA aims to improve healthcare access for all Kenyans, ensuring that both public facilities and more than  60 per cent of private ones are contracted to provide services without disruption." the statement reads in part.

Additionally, the Ministry said its technical teams are working tirelessly to meet increased user demand, which is essential as the nation transitions to this new system.

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“An updated list of these contracted health facilities is available on the SHA website, which will be continuously updated to reflect changes and additions,” the ministry said

Afya House has also indicated that a window has been established for Kenyans registering for the Social Health Authority (SHA) to receive treatment in contracted facilities without incurring out-of-pocket costs.

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Members of the former NHIF are entitled to services based on the premiums they previously paid.

Acting Deputy Director General for Health Sultani Matendechero urged more people to register for SHA, which has exceeded 12 million registrations.

He stressed that all individuals should receive services without interruption and assured that hospitals should not turn away patients for not being registered.

Health PS Harry Kimtai added that the ministry will clarify service levels and contracts to ensure smooth transitions.

He also pledged to enhance public communication through social media and the SHA website to address common questions regarding member registration, dependents, and access to services. Hospitals are urged to comply with SHA agreements, ensuring that essential treatments remain fully accessible.

Nonetheless, the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists Dentists Union (KMPDU) has criticised the SHA benefits scheme, arguing that it could limit access to healthcare.

They contend that reimbursement packages for hospitals fall significantly short of the true cost of health services, potentially leading to additional costs for patients.