Mama Lucy Rolls Out On-Site SHA Registration, Ending Upfront Payments for Patients

Previously, many patients faced delays. Some could not pay bills on time. Others were forced to wait for approvals. Now, that problem is gone. The hospital enrolls patients into SHA before or during treatment. It then seeks reimbursement from the national health insurer. Therefore, care comes first. Paperwork comes later.

Hospital Chief Executive Officer Frederick Obwanda says the impact is already clear. Mama Lucy treats more than 1,500 patients every day. According to him, universal SHA registration has reduced congestion and stress at billing desks. “Our priority is to treat everyone,” he said. “No one should be turned away because of money.”

As demand grows, the hospital is also expanding. Mama Lucy currently has 324 beds. However, a new 400-bed wing is under construction. Once complete, it will more than double capacity. This is key for Eastlands, one of Nairobi’s most crowded areas. More beds will mean shorter waiting times. It will also allow doctors to admit more patients.

Meanwhile, concerns over health worker strikes have not slowed services. Obwanda confirmed that the hospital has taken steps to avoid disruption. It brings in extra staff when needed. It also ensures that only trained and registered professionals are hired. This protects patients and keeps standards high.

The new SHA system is part of a wider push to make healthcare more affordable. Many Kenyans still struggle with hospital costs. By enrolling patients instantly, Mama Lucy removes a major barrier to care. People can now focus on healing instead of fees.

In the long run, hospital managers believe the model will improve efficiency. It will also boost trust in public hospitals. With expansion underway and systems improving, Mama Lucy aims to offer faster, fairer, and safer treatment for everyone.