The Social Health Authority (SHA) has extended the deadline for healthcare providers to complete contracting for the 2026–2029 cycle by 14 days, giving facilities until October 14, 2026, to finalise the process.
In a notice dated October 1, 2026, SHA said the extension is intended to give healthcare facilities additional time to complete the contracting requirements and ensure continuity of healthcare services for beneficiaries.
“The Social Health Authority (SHA) has extended the contracting deadline by 14 days, to 14th October 2026, to give healthcare facilities more time to complete contracting for the 2026-2029 cycle,” the authority said.
During the extension period, healthcare facilities will continue operating under their existing contracts. However, SHA has made clear that the additional 14 days will be the final extension.
“At the end of the 14 days, the existing contracts will lapse and no further extension will be granted,” SHA said.
Providers required to accept extension
Healthcare providers whose contracts ended on September 30, 2026, will receive an extension agreement through the SHA e-contracting platform covering the 14 days.
Providers are required to confirm acceptance, sign and return the agreement within three days to maintain uninterrupted service provision to SHA beneficiaries.
SHA emphasized that healthcare services for its beneficiaries will only continue at facilities that accept the 14-day extension.
Facilities that choose not to accept the extension have been advised to coordinate with their respective SHA county managers to facilitate the transfer of patients receiving ongoing care to other contracted healthcare providers.
The move is intended to prevent disruptions in treatment, particularly for patients already receiving care under SHA arrangements.
SHA to hold HAKIKA contracting clinics
To help healthcare facilities complete the 2026–2029 contracting process, SHA will establish dedicated HAKIKA contracting clinics across all counties.
According to the notice, the clinics will begin on Monday, October 5, 2026, through respective SHA County Offices. The authority said details on the HAKIKA clinics schedule and provider requirements will be published on the SHA website.
SHA has also encouraged facilities that already have all the required documentation to proceed with contracting rather than wait until the October 14 deadline.
“Facilities with all the required documents are encouraged to continue and complete the contracting process without waiting for the deadline,” the authority said.
SHA said 10,006 healthcare providers have so far expressed interest in the 2026–2029 contracting process and are currently at various stages of contracting.
The authority is urging providers to use the extension period and available support mechanisms to complete the process before the final deadline.
