Aga Khan, SHA sign deal to perform life-saving surgeries

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale during the signing of the partnership between the Aga Khan University Hospital and the Social Health Authority on May 28, 2025/CHRISTABEL ADHIAMBO. 

Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) and the Social Health Authority (SHA) have entered into a partnership to perform life-saving surgeries.

Under the new agreement, Aga Khan University Hospital will offer kidney transplants and heart surgeries at SHA-approved rates.

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 Sh700,000, which includes the surgery and necessary post-operative care as per SHA’s national care package.

“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 AKUH CEO Rashid Khalani said.

He also emphasised that the hospital will maintain detailed patient records, submit timely invoices in line with SHA’s financial and reporting requirements, and ensure follow-up care and aftercare as needed.

Additionally, AKUH will share regular progress and outcomes reports with SHA, including treatment statistics and procedural data.

Speaking during the signing of the deal, Health CS Adan Duale noted that the partnership agreement underscores a commitment to expanding affordable, high-quality healthcare services under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework.

"This is aimed at ensuring that patients incur no out-of-pocket costs beyond what is covered by the Authority. More so, to make life-saving surgeries more accessible to Kenyans," Duale said.

According to the ministry, in 2024 alone, Kenyans spent an estimated Sh14.7 billion on overseas medical treatment, up from Sh9 billion in 2016.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, during the signing of the deal between the Aga Khan University Hospital and the Social Health Authority on May 28, 2025/CHRISTABEL ADHIAMBO.

“These figures do not account for indirect costs such as air travel, accommodation, meals and caregiver expenses, which further compound the financial burden on families,” Duale explained.

He further added that given these realities, there is an urgent need for a dedicated health financing strategy for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), one that actively subsidises treatment costs and shields families from financial hardship.

He said the enactment of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, is a significant milestone in fulfilling the provisions of Article 43 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, since it guarantees every Kenyan the right to the highest attainable standards of health.

The legislation establishes three pivotal funds to strengthen our health system in the Primary Healthcare Fund, Social Health Insurance Fund and Chronic and Critical Illness Fund.