Mama Lucy Hospital introduces on-site SHA registration to ensure no patient is turned away

Patients are now enrolled into the SHA system before or during treatment, enabling the hospital to provide care immediately and claim reimbursement later.

Hospital CEO Frederick Obwanda said the hospital handles over 1,500 patients daily, and universal SHA enrollment has reduced treatment delays caused by unpaid bills.

“Our main priority is to treat every patient. Registering all patients under SHA means no one is turned away for lack of payment. Care is provided first, and reimbursement is sought afterward,” he explained, noting that previous billing challenges prompted the policy.

To address rising demand in the densely populated Eastlands area, the 324-bed hospital is expanding. A new 400-bed wing under construction is expected to increase capacity significantly once completed.

Obwanda also confirmed that ongoing health worker strikes have not disrupted services. “We have measures to ensure patient care continues, including bringing in additional medical professionals as needed,” he said.

The hospital has reinforced staffing standards, engaging only qualified, board-registered medical officers, to maintain patient safety and comply with regulatory requirements.