The government has acknowledged the concerns raised by the Rural Private Hospitals Association (RUPHA) regarding SHIF reimbursement structures and operational processes.

In a press statement from the office of the Cabinet Secretary on Wednesday, the Ministry of Health, when giving the Taifa Care media update, noted that as a key stakeholder in the healthcare sector, RUPHA plays an essential role in extending health services to rural and underserved communities, complementing the efforts of public hospitals. "The government remains committed to fostering a collaborative approach with private healthcare providers to enhance service delivery under the Social Health Authority (SHA)," the statement said.

The Ministry says that it has met and engaged with RUPHA, among other stakeholders, to address the concerns raised and that one of the key concerns raised by RUPHA relates to delays in claims processing and reimbursement for services rendered under SHIF and the PHC Fund. "The Ministry has introduced clear guidelines for facility accreditation, standardised claims submission processes, and an enhanced digital system for real-time claim tracking.

These measures are designed to eliminate past inefficiencies and ensure that all service providers receive their payments on time," the statement said.