Healthcare facilities must complete new SHA contracts before October 1, 2026, to continue serving beneficiaries.
SHA says facilities without executed contracts for the 2026–2029 cycle will lose portal access and must transfer patients to contracted providers.
Healthcare providers risk losing access to the SHA system from October 1, 2026, if they fail to renew their contracts.
The Social Health Authority says existing provider agreements will expire at 11:59 p.m. on September 30.
Consequently, facilities without executed contracts for the 2026–2029 cycle will not serve SHA beneficiaries.
Additionally, SHA will switch off provider portal access for facilities that miss the deadline.
The notice leaves hospitals and other healthcare providers with limited time to complete outstanding requirements.
Providers Urged to Complete Contracts
SHA has urged facilities seeking to continue serving beneficiaries to complete the new contracting process.
Accordingly, providers must submit their applications and meet all requirements before the new cycle begins.
The Ministry of Health launched the 2026–2029 contracting cycle under the HAKIKA framework earlier this month.
Meanwhile, the new e-contracting platform allows facilities to submit documents and track their applications digitally.
Providers can also verify licences and execute contracts through the online platform.
Patient Transfers Required
Facilities that fail to secure new contracts must arrange transfers for patients already receiving treatment.
As a result, affected patients may need to continue their care at contracted facilities.
This requirement could affect patients undergoing regular reviews, procedures or long-term treatment.
For now, patients will need to confirm whether their preferred facilities have completed the new contracting process.
HAKIKA Framework Goes Digital
The HAKIKA framework seeks to improve provider contracting, verification, payments and accountability.
In addition, the system provides clearer contractual terms on benefits, reimbursement, quality standards and dispute resolution.
The new contracts cover the Primary Health Care Fund and Social Health Insurance Fund.
They also cover the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund and Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund.
Therefore, providers must complete the transition before October 1 to continue serving SHA beneficiaries.
The new contracting cycle will run from October 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029.
Overall, SHA’s deadline puts facilities under pressure to complete outstanding requirements before their current agreements expire.
