Private hospitals have remained firm on their decision to suspend Social Health Authority (SHA) cover services, despite the Ministry of Health's pledge to verify claims before processing payments.

This comes even after a meeting between the hospitals and the Ministry of Health aimed at resolving the suspension, which has left patients without access to care.

Rural-Urban and Private Hospitals Association (RUPHA) vice chairman Joseph Kariuki insisted the hospitals will continue withholding services for SHA beneficiaries. "The suspension of SHA services remains in place," said Kariuki.  Some hospital representatives expressed disappointment with the meeting's agenda. "The discussion was completely different from what we expected," said a hospital owner who did not want to be named. .Keep ReadingWhat to expect as NHIF paves way for SHAExperts warn SHIF deductions do not tally with expected benefitsConfusion as top officials snub SHA digital demonstration eventWhat's next for NHIF contributors?

Doubts loom as country moves to SHAThe meeting, convened by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Harry Kimtai, brought together representatives from RUPHA, the Kenya Association of Private Hospitals (KAPH), and faith-based organisations (FBOs).