Teachers from Nyeri and Murang’a counties have called on the government to reinstate their medical allowance if plans to fully transition them to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) are implemented.
Speaking during a press conference in Nyeri, the educators expressed concern over the adequacy of specialized care in public hospitals, warning that a full shift to SHIF would negatively affect their access to quality healthcare.
“As teachers of this nation, we want to tell the government that if they go ahead with the transition to SHIF, then our medical allowance must be reinstated. This will enable us to seek specialized treatment in private facilities, where such services may not be available in public hospitals,” said Antony Gitonga, a representative of the teachers.
Gitonga noted that under the current MINET medical scheme, many female teachers are already experiencing challenges accessing specialized care.
ALSO READ:
Youth under Nyamira County Govt sponsorship graduate from computer, digital literacy training
“Our female colleagues are suffering due to a lack of specialists in the hospitals designated under our current cover. We fear this will worsen under SHIF. If that’s the case, give us back our allowance so we can seek treatment on our own terms,” he added.
The teachers also called on the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) national office to release the calendar for next year’s union elections, saying early notice would allow aspiring candidates enough time to prepare and campaign.
“KUPPET should release the election timetable early. Delaying the schedule may be seen as a ploy to influence the outcome of the polls,” said Suleiman Salim, a teacher from Murang’a.
By Juma 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
