Teachers and their dependents can now sigh relief after the health cabinet secretary Aden Duale assured that they are now eligible for benefits under the Social Health Authority’s (SHA) medical scheme.
In circular statement released, Aden Duale said the new arrangement means teachers will access services under three major funds: the Primary Healthcare Fund (PHC), the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), and the Emergency, Critical and Chronic Illness Fund (ECCIF).
“All teachers and their dependents are now eligible for the same healthcare benefits as any other Kenyan registered with the SHA,” Duale said in a statement.
This is after teachers’ representatives and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) CEO Dr Nancy Macharia and educators raised concerns over infrastructure gaps and funding shortfalls.
ALSO READ:
SHA asks TSC to drop Minet Kenya, enroll teachers in Public Health Fund
Appearing before the National Assembly Education Committee recently, TSC CEO Nancy Macharia disclosed that attempts to onboard teachers onto the SHA platform had previously failed due to severe infrastructure and funding constraints.
“This budget deficit has been a consistent obstacle. Even last year, when we considered transitioning to SHA, they told us they lacked the necessary infrastructure and needed Sh37 billion. We currently run the scheme with Sh20 billion,” said Macharia.
As a result, TSC renewed a three-year contract with Minet Insurance in December 2022, which runs until November 2025
Teachers have expressed fears that shifting to SHA could compromise the quality of services they currently enjoy under private medical coverage.
In December 2022, the TSC renewed a three-year contract with Minet Insurance, which will run until November 2025, offering tutors a broader range of private healthcare options.
However, Duale clarified that while the SHA cover is now available to teachers, the TSC can still opt for complementary insurance through the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF) or a private insurer.
“With 21.6 million people already enrolled and 50,000 more joining daily, SHA is expanding its reach, providing access to quality healthcare through over 8,000 facilities nationwide,” added Duale.
The CS said, while TSC provides a complementary insurance cover through a private insurer, Duale clarified that this is not managed by the SHA.
“Employers such as the TSC can provide complementary insurance for their employees for additional benefits through a valid insurance underwriter,” he stated.
ALSO READ:
Despite the Ministry pushing for broader healthcare coverage under SHA, teachers are calling for a clear roadmap that addresses budget gaps, infrastructure development, and the smooth integration of their current benefits.
Some have voiced concerns about potential delays in service delivery and inadequate facilities, especially in rural areas.
“We are not opposed to a government scheme, but it must guarantee the same, if not better, services than what we have now,” said a teacher who asked not to be named. “Otherwise, it feels like we are being asked to settle for less.”
By Brian Ndigo
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
