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The Ministry of Health (MoH) has raised alarm over a looming crisis in the delivery of free primary healthcare and maternity services, warning that continued delays in settling pending claims could severely disrupt services across the country.
The ministry is seeking an urgent exchequer release of Sh5.9 billion to clear outstanding payments under the Primary Healthcare (PHC) Fund.
According to the MoH, public health facilities are struggling to sustain operations after months of delayed reimbursements for services already rendered to patients.
The PHC Fund, which supports free services such as outpatient care, maternal health, immunisation and preventive services, is a key pillar of the government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
Health officials say the unpaid claims have strained facility budgets, limiting their ability to purchase essential medicines, medical supplies, and fuel for outreach programmes.
Some health centres have reportedly scaled down services, while others are accumulating debts with suppliers, further threatening continuity of care.
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In a statement, the ministry warned that if the funds are not released urgently, the situation could worsen, placing vulnerable populations especially expectant mothers and children at heightened risk.
Free maternity services, in particular, face potential disruption as hospitals struggle to meet operational costs, including staff overtime, laboratory services and emergency referrals.
County governments, which manage most primary healthcare facilities, have also expressed concern, noting that delayed reimbursements undermine devolution and place additional pressure on already constrained county health budgets.
Several counties have cautioned that without timely funding, facilities may be forced to reintroduce user fees, contradicting national policy on free primary healthcare.
The MoH emphasised that the Sh5.9 billion claim represents verified services already delivered and urged the National Treasury to prioritise the release to stabilise service delivery.
Officials insist that prompt settlement would restore confidence among healthcare providers and ensure uninterrupted access to essential services for millions of Kenyans.
Health sector stakeholders have echoed the ministry’s call, warning that prolonged funding gaps risk eroding public trust in the healthcare system and slowing progress towards UHC.
As negotiations with the Treasury continue, patients and health workers alike remain uncertain about how long facilities can continue operating under current financial strain.
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