Health CS Aden Duale Thursday chaired the signing of a Joint Communiqué outlining immediate and medium-term measures to improve access to healthcare services for civil servants under the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF).
The agreement provides for the immediate removal of the tariff locking mechanism within the Social Health Authority (SHA) system to ease access challenges at the point of care.
In the interim, the CS pronounced that all contracted facilities are barred from charging civil servants any out-of-pocket fees, in line with existing contractual obligations, as provisions on strict tariff application under Clause 10.2(c) remain suspended pending the conclusion of ongoing nationwide tariff negotiations.
To address urgent cases, Duale announced that a Joint Rapid Response Desk will be established immediately, bringing together SHA, the State Department for Public Service and the Union of Kenya Civil Servants (UKCS).
“The desk will coordinate the prompt release of any civil servants detained in health facilities and review reported cases of unauthorized charges to facilitate appropriate refunds,” affirmed the CS.
Additionally, he reported that SHA will also commence nationwide tariff negotiations for private and faith-based Level 3 to Level 6 facilities from 28 April 2026, with the process expected to conclude within four weeks.
“The negotiations are aimed at delivering a harmonised, evidence-based reimbursement framework,” stated Duale.
Under the revised framework, CS Duale stressed that the ‘walk-in, walk-out’ principle will apply strictly, with no co-payments permitted.
To this regard, the CS insisted that only facilities contracted within the SHA network will provide services under POMSF, and any breach of agreed terms including charging beneficiaries will attract enforcement action, including de-contracting.
“SHA will continue to maintain and regularly update a public list of approved facilities to guide beneficiaries on where to access services,” he added.
To strengthen accountability and sustainability, Duale mentioned that SHA will enhance cost containment measures through routine claims audits, utilisation reviews, fraud detection systems, and continuous monitoring of facility performance.
Meanwhile, the parties also underscored the importance of clear, timely communication to beneficiaries, particularly on system changes such as facility de-paneling.
Duale further assured that SHA will expand regional sensitisation forums, deepen stakeholder engagement, and update and publish the POMSF manual to improve accessibility and understanding.
The meeting was attended by the Medical Services PS Dr. Ouma Oluga, Secretary General of the Union of Kenya Civil Servants (UKCS) Lawrence Nyaguti, Chief Executive Officer of the Social Health Authority Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Health Agency Eng. Anthony Lenayara, alongside other officials from the Ministry of Health and UKCS.
By Michael Omondi
