Vihiga County's List of SHA Accredited Private Hospitals

Here's a comprehensive summary table of known SHA-accredited private hospitals in Vihiga County, Kenya, based on official licensing data from KMPDC and SHA records as of early 2026.

Note: SHA accreditation refers to facilities licensed under the Social Health Authority for NHIF/Supa Cover reimbursement. This list focuses on private facilities; comprehensive directories like KMPDC confirm limited private options in Vihiga, with most care at county hospitals.

Introduction to Healthcare in Vihiga County

Vihiga County, nestled in Western Kenya with a population exceeding 590,000, faces unique healthcare challenges including high maternal mortality and malaria prevalence. The Social Health Authority (SHA), successor to NHIF, accredits private hospitals to ensure quality standards for insured patients under schemes like Supa Cover. Private facilities supplement public ones like Vihiga County Referral Hospital in Mbale, offering faster service and specialized care.

As of February 2026, private SHA-accredited hospitals in Vihiga are few but vital, focusing on eye care, maternity, and general services. KMPDC's licensed facilities register, updated February 17, 2026, lists only Sabatia Eye Hospital as a prominent private Level 5 option, while Vihiga Private General and Maternity holds Level 4 status via KMHFR. This scarcity drives residents to neighboring Kakamega or Eldoret for advanced needs.

What SHA Accreditation Means

SHA accreditation guarantees facilities meet minimum standards for infrastructure, staffing, equipment, and infection control. Private hospitals must renew licenses annually via KMPDC, ensuring compliance with the Health Act 2017. Benefits include 24/7 inpatient care, comprehensive cover for surgeries, and maternity packages under Supa Cover.​

In Vihiga, accreditation emphasizes rural accessibility. Patients enjoy cashless settlements for NHIF/SHA claims, reducing out-of-pocket costs averaging KSh 50,000 for C-sections. Non-accredited clinics risk delisting, protecting users from substandard care.​

Spotlight: Sabatia Eye Hospital

Sabatia Eye Hospital stands out as Vihiga's flagship private facility. Located in Wodanga, Sabatia Sub-County, this Level 5 eye hospital addresses the region's high cataract and glaucoma rates, affecting 7% of adults per national surveys.​

Services include laser surgeries, retinal treatments, and pediatric ophthalmology. As an SHA-accredited provider, it handles inpatient procedures like vitrectomies fully covered under comprehensive plans. Contact via standard health directories; it's active per 2026 KMPDC data. Community outreach screens 5,000+ annually, partnering with Lions Club International.​

Spotlight: Vihiga Private General and Maternity Hospital

Vihiga Private General and Maternity Hospital, KEPH Level 4, serves central Vihiga near Mbale town. It excels in obstetrics, managing 300+ deliveries monthly amid county rates of 62/100,000 maternal deaths.

Accredited for SHA inpatient services, it offers C-sections, antenatal care, and general admissions. Regulatory oversight by the Ministry ensures equipment like ultrasound and incubators meet standards. Ideal for emergencies, it's operational and lists under KMHFR facility ID #24671.​

Challenges for Private Healthcare in Vihiga

Vihiga's terrain—hilly, rural—limits private expansion. Only 12% of hospitals are private county-wide, per HOSI.co.ke data. Power outages and staff shortages plague facilities, though SHA mandates generators and qualified nurses.​

High insurance uptake (78% via SHA) boosts viability, but reimbursement delays frustrate providers. Residents often travel to KAKAMEGA POLICE LINE HOSPITAL or ELDORET for Level 6 care, underscoring the need for more Level 5 privates.​

Accessing Care at SHA-Accredited Hospitals

To use these facilities:

1. Verify SHA membership via USSD *147# or app.

2. Present HUDUMA Namba and card on admission.

3. Comprehensive cover handles 100% costs at accredited sites; non-comprehensive caps apply elsewhere.​

For Sabatia Eye, book via P.O. Box referrals; Vihiga Private accepts walk-ins. Telemedicine via county platforms aids remote consults.

Comparison with Public Facilities

Private SHA hospitals offer shorter waits versus public ones like Emuhaya Sub-County Hospital. Here's a quick view:

Privates excel in comfort and tech, per Doctor254 reviews.​

Future Outlook and Recommendations

Vihiga aims for 5 new private accreditations by 2027 under UHC goals. Governor's health plan invests KSh 2B in partnerships. Residents should prioritize SHA registration for seamless access.

Verify updates at sha.go.ke or kmpdc.go.ke, as lists evolve. For non-accredited needs, faith-based options like mission dispensaries fill gaps, though not always SHA-listed.

This directory empowers informed choices in Vihiga's evolving health landscape.