Samuel Odede, Director of Medical Services and Research at the Nairobi Hospital.
The Nairobi Hospital has rescinded a recent adjustment to
its service charges, following protests from several medical insurers who
suspended services at the premier facility over what they termed as rising
costs.
The hospital’s
Director of Medical Services and Research, Samuel Odede, on Friday said the institution had dropped the increase, which he said averaged five per
cent.
He attributed the earlier increase to rising costs of medical products.
“In view of the prevailing economic circumstances where the
costs of both imported and local medical products have risen, TNH marginally
reviewed upwards the prices of certain medical products and services by an
average of five per cent. This was done after a comprehensive analysis of rising
costs in pharmaceuticals, equipment and other essential supplies, benchmarked
against peer institutions. Even with these adjustments, our tariffs remained
competitive within the market,” he said.
The move to increase charges, however, triggered pushback
from some of the hospital’s key insurance partners. Several medical insurers
issued advisories to their clients on August 8, notifying them of a
suspension of services at the facility. This raised concerns among patients, doctors, and the broader public.
“We are aware that the recent communications on media
platforms by some medical insurers on service suspension at The Nairobi Hospital
have created anxiety among all stakeholders, doctors and patients alike,” Odede told journalists.
The hospital said it made efforts to explain
the rationale for the price review to insurers. But despite “continued dialogue
with stakeholders including insurances for the sustainability of the hospital,”
some companies reacted by suspending cover at the facility.
Faced with the fallout, the hospital’s senior management
convened with representatives of the insurers on August 11 to revisit
the matter.
“Despite having engaged key insurance partners on the
rationale and context for the adjustments, some insurance partners reacted to
the implementation by suspending services at The Nairobi Hospital, as advised
in advisories issued to their clients on August 8, 2025. In response, the
Senior Management Team of The Nairobi Hospital met with insurance
representatives on August 11, 2025, to revisit the factors behind the
adjustments and negotiate a way forward,” he said.
The talks, described as constructive, resulted in a decision
by the hospital to reverse the new charges.
“Mutual goodwill prevailed in a constructive dialogue, and
the hospital rescinded the tariff adjustments to allow for further dialogue.
Patients would continue accessing services at the previous rates,” Odede
said.
The hospital emphasised that despite the recent standoff,
its primary commitment remains the welfare of patients.
“The hospital wishes to reassure all its patients that the
rates remain as were prior to adjustments. We are ready to work with our
insurance partners to ensure flawless service to our patients. The Nairobi
Hospital wishes to assure the public that we continue to provide care to all
patients at the rates and we remain committed to delivering the highest
standard of care,” Odede said.
The hospital also urged patients to seek clarity directly
from their insurers regarding coverage and any possible disruptions to their
care.
“For patients covered by medical insurance, access to
services remains subject to approval from their respective providers. We
encourage patients to contact their insurers directly to confirm coverage and
seek clarification on any disruption they are experiencing to their care,” the
management advised.
Founded 71 years ago, The Nairobi Hospital describes itself
as the largest stand-alone private hospital in Eastern, Southern and Central
Africa. In its statement, the hospital underscored its importance to the
region’s health system and stressed that it will continue engaging insurers in
order to safeguard patient access to care.
“The Nairobi Hospital remains committed to constructive
dialogue with our insurance partners while prioritising patients and ensuring
that they receive timely and quality care,” Odede concluded.