Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has warned that public health facilities defying the government’s directive to offer free outpatient services will face swift legal action.

Speaking on Tuesday, Duale said any hospital or clinic found charging patients will be treated as a crime scene.

“Any health facility that defies this presidential directive by charging for outpatient services will be treated as a crime scene and subjected to the full force of the law,” he said.

His remarks reaffirm President William Ruto’s order, issued on August 8 during the burial of former legislator Phoebe Asiyo in Homa Bay, that all outpatient services at public health facilities — from dispensaries to sub-county hospitals (Levels 1 to 4) — be provided at no cost.

The directive is part of the government’s Social Health Authority (SHA) initiative to roll out universal health coverage (UHC).

The SHA package covers free consultations, diagnostics, medications, basic radiology (X-rays and ultrasounds), laboratory tests, immunisations, maternal and child care, management of non-communicable diseases, mental health services, and minor outpatient procedures.

Duale urged Kenyans to report facilities still charging patients, saying strict enforcement will ensure all citizens benefit from the new policy.