Teacher in Nandi County under the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) on Friday, April 24 staged a peaceful protest over challenges experienced under the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical cover
Led by Nandi KUPPET Chairperson Tecla Lagat, the teachers expressed frustration with the current scheme, saying it has made it difficult for them to access quality health care.
They particular faulted the introduction of capping on outpatient visits, arguing that it has left many tutors struggling to meet medical expenses.
“I want to implore on the government to prioritise teachers welfare. Teachers are the backbone of national building and matters health is undebated.
The branch Executive Secretary Paul Rotich also raised concern on the capitation stipulated by the medical scheme, saying that it is too little to cater for teachers’ medical expenses.
“Teachers have gone for treatment and the capitation of Ksh 1200 is not even enough for full haemogram, they are forces to deep into their pockets to pay for consultation fee and mitigation,” Rotich noted.
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The protest comes just a day after the union top brass reached an agreement with SHA in Nairobi, allegedly removing the hurdles hampering access to quality health to teachers.
In their agreement, the SHA agreed to reconfigure the system to halt capping and out of pocket immediately to relief teachers the medical burden.
“To ensure health systems serve and do not frustrate teachers, SHA will immediately withdraw the tarrif locking currently configured in the system. Locked tariffs shall only be implemented after comprehensive negotiations are concluded.” Reads part of the sealed deal.
However, the teachers denied that assertion, saying that their access is still capped per the outpatient visit. They also pointed out lack of specialized facilities where they can access health services.
“Level four, five and six hospitals are in Uasin Gishu County, here in Nandi Couty we only have only one level four hospital, the rest are level two and three. And we go as per that capitation then we will not allow it,” Rotich said.
By Juma Ndigo
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