Government Dismisses Claims Teachers Are Being Denied Treatment Under SHA

By : Mweru Mbugua 

The government has dismissed claims that teachers are being denied medical treatment under the new public healthcare scheme, assuring educators that the system remains fully operational and continues to serve thousands across the country

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF), administered by the Social Health Authority (SHA), is functioning effectively and providing uninterrupted healthcare services to teachers and their dependents

His remarks come after the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) announced plans to withdraw from the scheme, citing persistent challenges faced by teachers seeking treatment

The union issued a seven-day strike notice on Thursday, claiming the system has experienced frequent breakdowns, limited hospital participation, and insufficient funding particularly for accident and emergency services. KUPPET also alleged that some teachers had been denied treatment, while others were reportedly detained in hospitals due to unpaid medical bills

However, Duale rejected these claims, stating that government data shows significant usage of the scheme since its rollout

According to the Ministry of Health, more than 249,000 teachers and their dependents have already received treatment under the program, with over Ksh.3.5 billion in medical claims processed so far

Teachers have accessed services in 2,823 healthcare facilities nationwide, including both public and private hospitals

Data from the ministry indicates that Nairobi County recorded the highest number of claims, with 30,766 cases worth Ksh.527.7 million. It was followed by Uasin Gishu County, which registered 29,212 claims valued at Ksh.463.2 million

Other counties with high usage include Meru, which reported 34,189 claims totaling Ksh.243.8 million, and Bungoma, with 29,743 claims worth Ksh.237.6 million. Additional counties with significant uptake include Kisii, Kisumu, Nakuru, Kiambu, Trans Nzoia, and Kericho

Duale noted that the current healthcare arrangement represents a major shift from the previous system, where teachers relied on private insurance providers

“For years, teachers were placed under private insurance arrangements that were plagued by opaque administrative limits, inflated premium costs, and restricted access that often left them stranded when they needed care most,” he said

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He explained that the new POMSF framework under SHA removes profit-driven intermediaries and ensures government funds are directed entirely toward healthcare services for teachers and their families

“The current scheme is comprehensive, equitable, and offers a much wider network of access,” Duale added

The Health CS also said the government is closely monitoring the scheme’s implementation in collaboration with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Social Health Authority (SHA)

While acknowledging that the transition may have faced isolated operational challenges, he emphasized that the issues are being addressed to prevent disruptions in service delivery

Duale urged teachers to continue seeking treatment at SHA-contracted healthcare facilities across the country, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting the health and welfare of educators