The Social Health Authority (SHA) announced a 14‑day extension for healthcare providers to complete the contracting process for the 2026‑2029 cycle, moving the deadline to 14 October 2026.

Providers who had missed the original 30 September deadline must now confirm acceptance, sign and return the agreement within three days to maintain service continuity for SHA beneficiaries.

Facilities that do not accept the extension are instructed to coordinate with their SHA county managers to transfer ongoing patients to other contracted providers, ensuring uninterrupted treatment.

During the extension period, SHA assured that hospitals will continue operating under their existing contracts, preventing any service disruption.

SHA will issue an extension to the current HCP contract, ending 30 September 2026, to cover the additional 14 days, accessible via the e‑contracting platform.

To aid providers, SHA is launching dedicated HAKIKA contracting clinics in every county from 5 October 2026, hosted through SHA County Offices.

Information on clinic schedules and required documents will be posted on the SHA website, and facilities are encouraged to complete the process without waiting for the final deadline.

The HAKIKA framework, introduced alongside an electronic contracting platform on 18 September, aims to improve transparency, payment predictability and clear contractual obligations between SHA and providers.

HAKIKA also addresses provider concerns about tariffs, claims processing, payment delays, pre‑authorisation, system reliability and empanelment, offering clearer terms on benefits and dispute resolution.

The e‑contracting platform enables providers to submit applications, upload documents, verify licences, execute contracts and monitor progress digitally.