NAIVASHA, Kenya – Council of Governors (CoG) Health Committee Chairperson Muthomi Njuki has urged private hospitals to exercise patience with the government and call off their strike over unpaid bills.
He emphasized that dialogue remains the best way to resolve the financial disputes that have crippled health services in many facilities.
Speaking in Naivasha during a meeting of county health executives, Njuki acknowledged that both public and private health institutions are struggling with delayed payments.
However, he stressed that abandoning patients in their time of need was not the solution.
“Even county-run hospitals are facing the same financial challenges, yet they continue to provide care. This is a difficult period, but we must prioritize saving lives,” Njuki stated.
His remarks come in response to the ongoing strike by the Rural Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA), whose members have suspended services due to outstanding government debts.
While acknowledging the burden of the unpaid funds, Njuki reiterated that negotiations remain the best path forward.
“There are huge debts owed to both public and private facilities, but we must keep engaging in discussions to find a lasting solution,” he said.
The strike by private hospitals has raised concerns over access to healthcare, particularly for patients who rely on these facilities in underserved areas.
