Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has declared an extensive campaign against medical corruption, disclosing that more than 1,000 healthcare establishments have been closed, with numerous others under investigation for illicitly seeking payments from the Social Health Authority (SHA).
During a firm speech on Saturday, Duale pinpointed five countiesHoma Bay, Bungoma, Mandera, Wajir, and Kisiias focal points for the deceptive practices, designating private medical centers as primary offenders.
He outlined the magnitude of the current initiative, revealing that since March 30, a minimum of 12 facilities have been suspended due to fraud accusations.
The inquiries involve multiple authorities. Twenty-four facilities are currently being examined through forensic audits by SHA inspectors, while the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is investigating 250 establishments.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has already obtained 30 case documents, with 18 facilities undergoing judicial proceedings.
Duale stated that the enforcement represents a wider initiative to safeguard the credibility of Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage program, cautioning that public resources allocated for patient treatment must not be diverted through fraudulent claims.
“Not a single penny intended for ill Kenyans will be misused,” he affirmed, promising continuous enforcement and responsibility.
The Cabinet Secretary was addressing graduates at the Hawa Kosar Islamic Centre, where he also acknowledged 25 young women who finished a secondary-level Islamic Studies program.