PS Oluga: 95% of cancer patients under SHA are not paying anything
By Joel Masibo, August 6, 2025Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga has stated that 95 per cent of cancer patients under the Social Health Authority (SHA) coverage are not paying anything at approved health facilities nationwide.
Speaking on a local radio breakfast show on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Dr Oluga said that SHA has reduced the heavy financial burden bedevilling most cancer patients amid public outcry over the effectiveness of the particular national health cover.
Despite documentation that the SHA covers a wide range of cancer-related services, including screening, diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, imaging, lab tests, and palliative care, especially in public hospitals, cases of dissatisfaction among patients have been reported.
Transparency and informed access
Dr Oluga also emphasised the government’s commitment to transparency and informed access, confirming plans to make available a detailed list of SHA services at every health facility. According to Oluga, this is part of a broader push, including digital patient tracking and facility audits to ensure patients receive what they’re entitled to and to curb fraudulent claims.
“The government will share a list of services offered under SHA at every health facility,” Dr Oluga said.
As of April 1, 2025, the SHA offers up to Ksh550,000 per year for cancer treatment, split into Ksh 400,000 from SHIF and Ksh150,000 from the chronic illness fund. ICU/HDU services are reimbursed at up to Ksh28,000 per day.
”95% of cancer patients under SHA are not paying anything at the hospital,” the PS said.
SHA has rolled out a national digital health platform and is pushing for timely remittances, with hospitals required to remit by the 9th or 14th of the following month to support seamless service delivery.
Dr Oluga has warned against fraudulent practices, such as listing patients under SHA without providing medicines, and insisted on rigorous audits and compliance verification. However, despite the benefits, some hospitals are reportedly considering exiting SHA due to ongoing reimbursement delays and system strain.
Meanwhile, these clarifications come amid signs of strain in the system, with some hospitals reportedly experiencing reimbursement delays and considering withdrawing from SHA contracts. Nevertheless, the SHA’s expanded cancer benefits package, including up to Ksh550,000 per patient per year, remains a major leap toward easing financial burdens for those battling serious illnesses.