No fees for PHC medicines, Duale says

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Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has issued a stern warning to health facilities over what he described as illegal charges for primary healthcare (PHC) drugs, under the Social Health Authority’s (SHA) Bima Bora and Afya Nyumbani programs.

In a statement on Tuesday, he noted that SHA had expressed concern over unusually low drug dispensing rates, claiming that some facilities may be billing patients without actually providing medicines.

“SHA will not pay such claims and will deduct the drug component where applicable,” Duale said.

CS Duale emphasised that all PHC services and medicines are fully covered under SHA, and patients must not be charged directly.

He urged the public and patients to report any instances of illegal charging.

Complaints can be made through the toll-free number 147 or via email at [email protected].

The authority noted that compliance with the program’s rules is mandatory for all participating health facilities, warning that failure to adhere could lead to financial deductions and other administrative measures.

SHA’s Bima Bora and Afya Nyumbani programs aim to provide universal access to essential healthcare services, including medicines, to Kenyans.

The insurance covers a wide range of PHC services aimed at making essential care accessible and affordable. These include outpatient visits for common illnesses such as malaria, coughs, colds, diarrhea or wounds.

Long-term illness management is also provided for chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure and sickle cell disease.

Patients are entitled to doctor consultations and medicines when sick, as well as lab tests and imaging, including blood tests, urine tests and X-rays.

Eye care services are also covered, offering health education, vision testing, and eyeglasses for children under 18 to promote early intervention and healthy eyesight.

Speaking during an event, Public Health CS Mary Muthoni condemned what she termed as extortion by a number of health practitioners, saying it was wrong to demand fees for free services.

She warned rogue hospitals that the MoH will begin investigations into the same, to ensure that they weed out the facilities charging patients for services already covered under the Universal Health Coverage.