SHA Providers Face October 1 Digital Transition as Health Ministry Pushes New Contracting System

Healthcare providers working with the Social Health Authority are facing a major digital transition as the Ministry of Health moves more contracting, verification and claims processes onto new electronic systems.

The transition is tied to the Social Health Authority’s 2026–2029 contracting cycle, known as HAKIKA, and a new e-contracting platform designed to improve transparency, provider onboarding and accountability.

Providers Urged to Complete Transition Requirements

The Ministry of Health has urged healthcare providers to complete required transition steps before October 1, 2026. The move affects facilities that depend on SHA systems for patient verification, contracting, claims and reimbursement.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has also said the shift is intended to reduce fragmented processes and move providers toward a more fully digital operating environment.

What HAKIKA Changes

The HAKIKA framework covers the 2026–2029 contracting period and responds to concerns raised by healthcare providers during the previous contracting cycle.

Those concerns included payment delays, tariff clarity, rejected claims, pre-authorisation, reliability of digital systems and the process used to empanel facilities.

Under the new approach, providers are expected to have clearer contractual obligations while SHA seeks to improve visibility around benefit schedules, reimbursement, quality standards and dispute resolution.

E-Contracting Moves More Processes Online

The new e-contracting platform is designed to allow providers to submit applications, upload supporting documents, verify licences, execute contracts and track progress electronically.

That means facilities will increasingly depend on functioning digital systems and accurate provider records. Hospitals and clinics that delay migration could face interruptions in how they access SHA services or process patients under the scheme.

Why the Change Matters to Patients

For patients, the practical concern is continuity of service. A smooth transition should make it easier for facilities to verify cover and submit claims without unnecessary paperwork. However, any facility that has not completed the required technical steps may face temporary administrative challenges.

Patients visiting a SHA-contracted facility should continue carrying or providing the identification information required for verification and can ask the facility whether its SHA systems are fully operational.

Ministry Promises Greater Accountability

The Ministry says the new contracting model is meant to strengthen accountability between SHA and providers. It has called for timely settlement of clean claims, clear explanations when claims are rejected and reliable digital infrastructure.

Those commitments are important because healthcare providers have repeatedly raised concerns about payment timelines and the effect delayed reimbursements can have on service delivery.

What Facilities Should Check

• Whether their SHA contracting information is complete and current.
• Whether required licences and supporting documents have been uploaded.
• Whether staff can access the relevant digital platforms.
• Whether patient verification and claims workflows are functioning before the October transition.

Source

The Ministry of Health published details of the HAKIKA contracting framework and provider transition requirements on its official website. Read the Ministry of Health announcement on HAKIKA and the e-contracting platform.