Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has ordered the suspension of Bungoma West Hospital for 90 days over alleged fraudulent activities involving the Social Health Authority (SHA).
In a statement, the Social Health Authority (SHA) said the facility, operating under Contract No. CN-49311, was suspended after investigations uncovered suspected fraudulent claims, including fictitious billing, in violation of Clause 16 of its agreement.
SHA Chief Executive Officer confirmed that the hospital has been barred from offering services to SHA beneficiaries or conducting any transactions with the authority throughout the suspension period. The directive takes immediate effect.
The facility has also been instructed to transfer all patients currently under SHA coverage to nearby accredited hospitals and formally notify them of the changes to ensure continuity of care.
The Ministry of Health, through SHA, issued a stern warning to healthcare providers across the country, cautioning that any institution found engaging in fraudulent practices will face immediate suspension and possible further sanctions.
“According to CEO SHA communication, The facility is barred from serving SHA beneficiaries or transacting with SHA during this period and must transfer current patients to nearby contracted facilities and notify them accordingly.
“Ministry of Health through SHA issues a firm warning that any facility found engaging in fraudulent claims will face immediate suspension and further sanctions”.
Officials emphasized that the move is part of ongoing efforts to safeguard public funds and restore integrity within the healthcare system, particularly under the newly implemented SHA framework.
The suspension is expected to disrupt services for some patients in the Bungoma area, although authorities say measures have been put in place to minimize the impact by redirecting affected individuals to alternative contracted facilities.