By Felix Wanderi
Thousands of teachers are being sent away from hospitals without treatment because their data is missing from records submitted by the National Health Insurance fund (NHIF).
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) says teachers cannot get treated because NHIF has not updated their records.
Consequently, the union has demanded that NHIF stops its mischief and updates teachers records without further delay, especially now when they also face the danger of getting infected with coronavirus.
Kuppet National Chairman Omboko Milemba said teachers are being sent away at hospitals when they present their cards since their records have not yet been updated.
He said many are forced to pay for services rendered because the NHIF alleges that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has not remitted money deducted from teacher’s salaries for health care.
“We are saying that this is mischief because the report we have from TSC and from the capacity of the teacher’s fund, the NHIF should not have any excuses that we are getting now,” said Omboko.
He was speaking in Kabete Sub-County, Kiambu on Tuesday where he led a delegation of teachers to the burial ceremony of George Munyinyi, a brother to Kuppet National Treasurer Njenga Mwethi.
The Emuhaya MP said it is dangerous for the teachers because coronavirus is still rife in schools and yet teachers cannot get services simply because the NHIF system has become overwhelmed.
“We are asking the NHIF to update its records because we have confirmed that money been remitted to them so that teachers do not suffer the misfortune or embarrassment of being asked for money,” said Omboko.
He said that the problem is rampant in Kiambu and they had also received complaints from Kisii, Nairobi, Vihiga and Mombasa.
The teachers said they are likely to seek redress if the situation is not dealt with as they are aware that TSC has already remitted the money to NHIF
“Any further steps that we will take are things that we are going to review should thing happen beyond today,” said Milemba.
Teachers medical allowance is paid to NHIF according to their grades at an average amount of Sh1,000 per teacher which translates to over Sh2 billion paid monthly for their medical cover.
Omboko also warned that there is a lot of laxity as school prepares to reopen and confirmed that many schools do not have the expected preparedness.
“We know it will be very difficult to increase space but the government has the capacity to ensure there are enough PPEs, watering points for washing of hands, thermo guns and sanitizers at designated places in each school,” said Omboko.
Teachers are already in schools ready to go but if they are not properly facilitated, it is going to undermine the process of reopening and fight against covid-19.
Milemba said said Kuppet elections will be held on 15th 2021 the seven branches and expressed confidence that they will be free and fair.
