SHA Patients Hit by Extra Charges as Uasin Gishu Cracks Down on Health Facilities

The County Government of Uasin Gishu County has intensified oversight of health facilities in a renewed push to improve service delivery and protect patients from unnecessary medical costs.

Speaking during an inspection and supervisory tour of Kamalel Health Centre and Langas Racecourse Nursing Home (RCEA), Acting Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Services Dr. Billy Lubanga said the county is committed to ensuring residents receive quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare services.

At Kamalel Health Centre, Dr. Lubanga expressed satisfaction with the facility’s operations, noting that staffing levels were adequate and drug supplies sufficient to guarantee uninterrupted healthcare services for residents. He praised healthcare workers at the facility for their dedication and professionalism in serving the community.

“We are encouraged by the commitment shown by staff here and the availability of essential medicines. This is key in ensuring wananchi continue receiving reliable healthcare services,” said Dr. Lubanga.

However, it was at Langas Racecourse Nursing Home (RCEA) where the county boss raised concern over additional charges imposed on patients accessing services through the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Dr. Lubanga called on the facility’s management to urgently review and streamline the extra costs to ensure patients fully benefit from the government-backed affordable healthcare programme.

“SHA was introduced to ease the financial burden on wananchi seeking treatment. Any extra charges that hinder access to affordable healthcare must be addressed,” he stated.

Despite the concerns, the Chief Officer commended the facility for maintaining satisfactory service delivery standards and offering a broad range of medical services, including outpatient and inpatient care, dental services, laboratory testing, Comprehensive Care Clinic (CCC), Maternal and Child Health (MCH), pharmacy services, and minor theatre procedures.

The inspection forms part of the county government’s ongoing strategy to strengthen accountability, improve healthcare standards, and enhance patient experience across all public and private health facilities in the county.

Dr. Lubanga was accompanied during the tour by Principal Programme Officer Johannes Mosbei and County Clinical Officer John Songol.