The Social Health Authority (SHA) has announced new directives for hospitals within the Primary Care Network (PCN) as part of the preparations for the implementation of the Primary Health Care Act, 2023. SHA’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Elijah Wachira, detailed these guidelines in a public notice issued on August 28, 2024.
According to Wachira, county executive committee members are required to establish a PCN at the sub-county level, aligning with Section 18 of the new Act. Each Primary Care Network will be anchored by a Level 4 sub-county hospital serving as the central hub, while Kenya Essential Package for Health (KEPH) Levels 3, 2, and 1 facilities will function as spokes within the network.
“Every Primary Care Network is designated to serve a specific population, as determined by the County Primary Health Care Advisory Committee,” Wachira explained. “Each person within that population will be registered within a specific PCN.”
The establishment of PCNs aims to ensure a coordinated and seamless delivery of primary healthcare services from the community level to healthcare facilities. This new structure is expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery across the country.
In addition, the Primary Health Care Act establishes a Primary Healthcare (PHC) Fund, which is supported by government financing. Members registered with SHA will be eligible to benefit from this fund, which will cover essential outpatient care, screening, inpatient care, and maternity services provided by Level 2 and 3 hospitals within the PCN.
Wachira emphasized that the payment mechanism for healthcare providers will be based on the benefit package approved by the Authority’s Board.
The SHA has also completed the compilation of a list of hospitals under the PCN, which is now available on the SHA website. Healthcare providers at KEPH Levels 2 and 3 are encouraged to review the list and update their information if necessary.
“Level 2 and 3 hospitals are requested to visit our website at https://sha.go.ke/resources/categories/2 to confirm their inclusion in the directory. If your hospital is not listed or if any information is inaccurate, please contact us to update our records,” Wachira urged.
