Githunguri Health Facilities and Hospitals that Accept SHA

The Social Health Authority (SHA), which replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) in October 2024, represents Kenya’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage. For residents of Githunguri Sub-County in Kiambu County, understanding which health facilities accept SHA is crucial for accessing affordable, quality healthcare services. This comprehensive guide details the health facilities in Githunguri that participate in the SHA program.

Githunguri Health Facilities Accepting SHA

Understanding the SHA Healthcare System

SHA comprises two main funding mechanisms: the Primary Health Care Fund, financed directly by the Kenyan government for services at Levels 1, 2, 3, and select Level 4 hospitals, and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), funded by member contributions for services at Levels 4, 5, and 6 hospitals. The system encourages patients to utilize lower-level facilities for primary care and only access higher-level facilities through proper referrals.

For Githunguri residents, this means that routine healthcare services such as consultations, basic laboratory tests, maternal and child health services, and dispensing of essential medications can be accessed at local dispensaries and health centres under the Primary Health Care Fund at minimal or no cost.

Major Health Facilities in Githunguri

Githunguri Health Centre

As the main public health facility in the area, Githunguri Health Centre serves as a Level 3 facility with approximately 10 beds. The centre provides comprehensive primary healthcare services including outpatient consultations, maternal and child health services, basic laboratory services, and minor procedures. Being a public facility under the Ministry of Health, it fully participates in the SHA program.

Holy Family Mission Hospital

This faith-based facility, operated by the Catholic Church through the Kenya Episcopal Conference-Catholic Secretariat, offers comprehensive healthcare services with a capacity of 45 beds and 3 cots. Located opposite K-Unity Bank in Githunguri town, the hospital provides both outpatient and inpatient services. As a licensed Level 3A mission hospital, it accepts SHA beneficiaries for various medical services including surgical procedures, maternity care, and specialized consultations.

Githunguri Hospital (Upcoming)

A major development for healthcare in Githunguri is the Sh800 million Githunguri Hospital project commissioned in 2018 with a planned capacity of 280 beds. Once operational, this Level 4 facility will feature modern amenities including a casualty and emergency unit, modern outpatient services, maternity ward, orthopedic ward, mental health unit, cancer unit, and intensive care unit. The hospital will significantly expand SHA healthcare options for Githunguri residents.

Public Dispensaries Network

Githunguri Sub-County benefits from a network of public dispensaries strategically located across its five wards: Githunguri, Githiga, Ikinu, Ngewa, and Komothai. These Level 2 facilities provide essential primary healthcare services including immunizations, basic consultations, maternal health services, and dispensing of medications. The sub-county has 36 health facilities in total, representing 5% of Kiambu County’s health facilities.

The dispensaries—Githunguri Dispensary, Kanjama Dispensary, Mariira Dispensary, and Murarandia Dispensary—operate under the Primary Health Care Fund, making services accessible to all SHA beneficiaries without requiring direct payments at the point of service.

Accessing SHA Services in Githunguri

To access healthcare services under SHA at these facilities, residents must first register through the USSD code *147# or via the Afya Yangu website (www.afyayangu.go.ke). Self-employed individuals can pay as low as Ksh 300 monthly, while salaried employees contribute 2.75% of their monthly salary through statutory deductions.

When visiting any SHA-participating facility in Githunguri, patients should carry their national identification card or any other valid identification document. The facility will verify SHA membership status electronically before providing services. For primary care at Level 2 and 3 facilities, most services are covered under the Primary Health Care Fund. For specialized services requiring higher-level care, patients receive referrals to Level 4 facilities or above, where SHIF covers approved services.

Private Healthcare Options

Beyond public and faith-based facilities, Githunguri has private clinics like Ivory Health Solutions Limited that also participate in the SHA program. These facilities offer alternative options for residents who prefer private healthcare settings while still benefiting from SHA coverage for eligible services.

Challenges and Improvements

The SHA implementation has faced challenges, with some counties yet to sign necessary Intergovernmental Participatory Agreements (IPAs), leaving essential services in limbo. However, Kiambu County has been working to ensure smooth SHA implementation across its facilities. The ongoing completion of Githunguri Hospital and renovation of existing dispensaries demonstrates the county’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure.

Githunguri residents have access to various SHA-participating health facilities ranging from dispensaries to mission hospitals, with a major Level 4 hospital set to open soon. By understanding the SHA system and knowing which facilities accept SHA, residents can access quality healthcare services affordably. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, these facilities remain committed to serving the community under Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage initiative.