SHA Spends Sh500 Million on Digital Health Technology Over Two Years

The Social Health Authority (SHA) has invested approximately Sh500 million in digital health technology since its inception, supplying more than 42,000 digital devices to public health facilities across Kenya.

Anthony Lenaiyara, Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Health Agency (DHA), revealed these figures during the National Health Summit held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi. He emphasized that the expenditure is significantly lower than earlier claims suggesting government commitments of tens of billions of shillings toward digital health systems.

"In the past two years, only Sh500 million has been paid for this technology, far less than the projected Sh100 billion," Lenaiyara explained. Payments to technology providers are regulated, with SHA disbursing Sh25 for every active member under the agreed framework.

Expansion of Digital Infrastructure

The DHA has developed what Lenaiyara described as a "digital superhighway" comprising 43 integrated systems supporting universal health coverage. A major milestone has been the deployment of over 42,000 digital gadgets to public hospitals and clinics, ensuring even the most remote dispensaries have access to the technology.

Facilities receive these devices at no cost, as part of the government's effort to enhance digital health infrastructure. This rollout has transformed how public health facilities process and manage SHA claims, shifting from manual paper-based systems to efficient electronic tracking that enhances transparency and accountability.

Improved Funding and Patient Services

According to Lenaiyara, digitalisation has increased the share of SHA funds directed to public health facilities from 35% under the previous system to about 62% currently. Additionally, the introduction of a unique patient identification system using national ID details and fingerprints has streamlined patient record management, reducing reliance on physical cards.

Patients can now use the SHA app to access their claims, prescriptions, and medical records, improving service delivery and patient engagement.

Enhanced Monitoring and Efficiency

The digital systems also enable real-time monitoring of health commodities, tracking medicines from manufacturers to patients to curb losses and prevent counterfeit drugs. Telemedicine and health information exchange platforms facilitate consultations and information sharing among health workers across facilities.

Lenaiyara highlighted that the digital transformation has reduced staffing needs significantly. The transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHA saw staff numbers drop from nearly 1,700 to about 850, while claim processing capacity increased dramatically. For example, the SHA Claims Management Office, with just 35 employees, processes nearly one million claims monthly.

"Technology has allowed us to halve our staff while increasing productivity, showcasing true efficiency and transformation," Lenaiyara concluded.