Private hospitals and clinics in Mombasa have threatened to strike following alleged harassment by the county.
Under the Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA), the hospitals have threatened to down their tools citing constant harassment by county officials to pay single business permit fees contrary to a court order which issued conservatory orders suspending the payment of the fees by members of RUPHA.
“The court order remains in effect pending the final determination of the case, which is set for a hearing on 5th December 2024. Despite this, Mombasa County has continued to unlawfully demand these fees from private healthcare providers, in blatant disregard of the court’s directive,” said RUPHA Chair Dr. Brian Lishenga.
The healthcare providers have also alleged being forced to pay bribes despite presenting evidence of the court order to county officials.
“Mombasa County has also arbitrarily increased business permit fees to levels higher than those charged by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC). These increases were made without due consultation, further exacerbating the financial strain on private healthcare providers,” said Dr. Lishenga.
They are now calling on the Mombasa County Government to respect the rule of law and engage in constructive dialogue with RUPHA to resolve any disputes amicably.
The Association has also called on the judiciary to expedite the hearing and determination of the matter to provide lasting clarity and protection to healthcare providers.
“The continued disregard of the court order and harassment of healthcare providers threatens to destabilize private healthcare services in the county. If these unlawful actions persist, they will force providers to pass these costs onto patients, increasing the cost of care for Mombasa,” said the RUPHA Chair.
