Brian Lishenga

The Rural & Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) is a non-profit organization that represents private Health Facilities located in rural areas and urban Health Facilities serving medically underserved populations (MUP’s)of Kenya. Registered in March 2020, RUPHA aims to improve the quality of healthcare services offered by private hospitals in the neediest communities in Kenya.

RUPHA serves as a voice for its members, advocating for policies and regulations that support the growth and development of private Health Facilities providing health services in the following areas:

·       Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs)

·       Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs)

·       Physically Underserved Populations (MUPs

The association also provides training and capacity building programs for its members, helping to enhance their skills and knowledge in various areas of healthcare. As an organization, RUPHA is committed to promoting access to quality healthcare services for rural and the medically underserved communities in Kenya. Through partnerships and collaborations with other organizations and stakeholders, RUPHA works towards achieving its goal of improving healthcare outcomes in rural and medically underserved populations.

 RUPHA OBJECTIVES

1.     Advocacy for Healthcare Equity: RUPHA advocates for healthcare equity by developing and continuously updating criteria that define healthcare deficit populations and areas for membership, ensuring inclusivity and representation.

2.     Innovation in Payment Systems: RUPHA advises on and seeks to influence innovations in payment systems for healthcare, advocating for fair and efficient mechanisms that enhance access and affordability for all.

3.     Partnership Development: RUPHA prioritizes the development of partnerships and linkages between its members and different stakeholders, leveraging collaboration to benefit its members and improve healthcare delivery.

4.     Economic Empowerment: RUPHA focuses on building economies of scale and negotiating blocs to uplift the welfare of its members, fostering growth and expansion of their care centres through collective strength.

5.     Member Education and Training: RUPHA provides member education through various training programs in collaboration with partners, empowering members to make informed choices in the management of facilities and services, thus enhancing the quality of care provided.

6.     Policy Advocacy and Influence: RUPHA engages in advocacy efforts to influence healthcare policies and regulations, advocating for policies that support its members' interests and promote advancements in healthcare delivery and access.

MEMBERSHIP

RUPHA’s membership consists of 400+ privately-owned medical centres, outpatient centres, ambulatory care centres, rehabilitation centres, nursing homes, diagnostic centres, and hospitals from KEPH Level 2 to level 5. Membership is open to all private healthcare facilities that meet the set standards for quality and affordability. RUPHA provides its members with a platform to network, share information and best practices, and advocate for policies that support the provision of quality healthcare services in the rural and urban underserved communities.