Health facilities in Kenya that have not yet transitioned to the government's new digital health platform have until September 30 to complete the process. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale made the announcement during the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS) in Nairobi. He stated that the existing SHA provider portal will be switched off at midnight on September 30, making HMIS the required platform for contracted facilities.
According to Duale, public and county hospitals operating at levels two, three, and four have already made the switch to HMIS. However, private and faith-based health facilities that have not completed the process are expected to do so before the deadline. The HMIS will enable facilities to verify patients digitally and submit claims electronically, replacing manual processes previously used under the SHA provider system.
The move is part of the government's plan to build a more connected digital health system through the Digital Health Agency. The new platform is expected to improve efficiency and accountability in healthcare financing. Duale emphasized the need for reliable supplies of quality medicines and health products, highlighting the role of MEDS in supporting healthcare facilities through the sourcing, testing, and distribution of essential medicines.
MEDS has spent four decades supporting healthcare facilities and has held World Health Organisation prequalification since 2009. The organization also has ISO 9001:2015 certification and received ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation in 2024. Duale pointed to the importance of faith-based facilities in providing healthcare under the SHA arrangement, with 876 facilities having active SHA contracts and 530 already using the system to transact.
Faith-based facilities have filed claims amounting to Sh41.1 billion, with Sh29.8 billion already settled. Duale stressed the importance of timely processing and payment of claims in helping health facilities maintain operations and ensure adequate stocks of medicines and other essential supplies. He also highlighted the need for digital systems to provide greater accountability and clearer visibility within the health sector.
During the MEDS anniversary celebrations, Duale called for more investment in reliable supply chains, a well-trained health workforce, and independent quality-testing systems. The event also marked the launch of MEDS Devane Company Limited, a special-purpose vehicle created to help MEDS expand into private healthcare and pursue new opportunities in the sector.
Key points
- Health facilities in Kenya must complete the digital switch to HMIS by September 30 or risk losing access to the SHA system.
- The new HMIS platform is expected to improve efficiency and accountability in healthcare financing.
- Faith-based facilities have filed claims amounting to Sh41.1 billion under the SHA arrangement.
