The government has been urged to review the Social Health Authority (SHA) package for teachers, following concerns that educators are not receiving adequate medical cover.
Speaking in Kapsowar, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Second Vice National Chairman, Aggrey Namisi, stated that teachers under SHA are facing challenges in accessing medical services, contrary to expectations.
“Teachers are not getting the medical cover they were promised,” Namisi said. “We are calling on the government to review the terms of the SHA package to ensure it meets the needs of our members.”
Delays and Reduced Services Under SHA
Namisi expressed willingness to engage with the Ministry of Health to address the issue, emphasising the need for dialogue to resolve the matter, and added that agreement between the authority and teachers provides for an annual review in a bid to iron out issues emanating from the rollout.
“Its now time to review our terms with SHA. We are ready to work with the Health Ministry to review the terms of engagement. Our members are not getting services as early as envisioned,” he said.
“Our priority is to ensure teachers get the medical cover they deserve.”
Namisi, at the same time, pointed out the delay in the pre-authorisation process, saying tutors suffer while it is underway.
Comparing the current underwriter with the previous Minet, the unionist said the services offered under SHA are reduced.
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The SHA package was introduced as part of efforts to provide comprehensive medical cover for teachers, replacing AON Minet. However, concerns over its implementation have sparked debate.
Call for Government Intervention
“The government should respond to the concerns raised and address the issues affecting teachers’ access to medical services under SHA. We want our members enjoy this medical scheme as was the previous one,” remarked Namisi.
By Philemon Kiprop
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