<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img src="/nairobi/PublishingImages/AKUH_MoH%20MoU%20signing%20body.jpg" alt="" style="margin: 5px;"/></span> </p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The Social Health Authority (SHA) has today signed a partnership agreement with Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH), paving the way for eligible Kenyans to access advanced medical procedures—specifically kidney transplants and heart surgeries—under Kenya&#39;s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme, with no out-of-pocket costs.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The agreement was signed during an official ceremony at Aga Khan University&#39;s Nairobi campus, by Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, EGH and Rashid Khalani, AKUH&#39;s CEO, and witnessed by Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, the University&#39;s Vice Chancellor.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Under the agreement, SHA will vet, assess and approve patients for specialised treatment in collaboration with the hospital. Once approved, each case will be fully covered up to KES 700,000, which includes the surgery and necessary post-operative care as per SHA&#39;s national care package. SHA has committed to maintaining transparency in patient selection and to ensure timely communication with the hospital for seamless service delivery.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">On its part, Aga Khan University Hospital will provide high-quality surgical and post-surgical care to all approved patients, in accordance with national clinical standards and protocols. The hospital will also maintain detailed patient records, submit timely invoices in line with SHA&#39;s financial and reporting requirements, and ensure follow-up care and aftercare as needed. Additionally, AKUH will share regular progress and outcomes reportswith SHA, including treatment statistics and procedural data.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“This partnership directly supports our commitment to Universal Health Coverage by making advanced medical care available to all Kenyans, regardless of their economic status,&quot; said Hon. Aden Duale, EGH, Cabinet Secretary for Health. “By partnering with reputable institutions like Aga Khan University Hospital and leveraging mechanisms such as the Patient Welfare Program, we are accelerating access to life-saving care for vulnerable citizens across the country.&quot;</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The partnership will also be strengthened by AKUH&#39;s annual revolving Patient Welfare Program, which provides financial support for patients who would otherwise be unable to afford specialised care. The initiative reflects AKUH&#39;s longstanding commitment to equitable health access and social responsibility.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Aga Khan University Hospital CEO, Rashid Khalani said, “We are honoured to work with the Social Health Authority in this national effort to expand access to life-saving surgeries. This collaboration reflects our commitment to giving back to society by delivering care to those most in need, while upholding world-class medical standards. Our facilities, technology, and highly trained specialists are aligned to ensure every patient receives quality treatment with dignity.&quot;</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The Social Health Authority, established under the Social Health Insurance Act, is the government body mandated to implement UHC through a mandatory national insurance scheme. Since its operationalisation, SHA has made significant progress:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Launched the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) to unify Kenya&#39;s public health financing under one platform.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Accredited more than 3,000 public and private healthcare providers.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Rolled out a national benefits package covering promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Enrolled millions of Kenyans, including government-subsidised indigent households.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Deployed a digital claims management system for enhanced accountability.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This agreement with Aga Khan University Hospital builds on those milestones and signals a bold new direction for Kenya&#39;s healthcare landscape—where public-private partnerships are instrumental in achieving equity, quality, and access in healthcare.
</span></p>