Kuppet demands release of Sh11b for medical cover

Thousands of teachers are on the verge of missing medical services as the government delays remittance of insurance scheme capitation. 

The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) yesterday sounded the alarm, demanding the immediate release of Sh11 billion for the National Treasury to avert a crisis.

According to Kuppet, some hospitals are beginning to turn away teachers.

“We have seen a letter from Tenwek hospital notifying teachers it is withdrawing services due to unpaid capitation. Other hospitals are not providing official communication but are turning the teachers away on arrival or demanding out-of-pocket payments before attending to teachers,” said acting Secretary General Moses Nthurima.

The union says the last disbursement was made in September last year. This means that for the last six months there has been no remittance to hospitals.

Teachers rely on a comprehensive medical insurance scheme managed by a private underwriter, which was introduced to replace direct medical allowances.

“Delaying their access to medical care is a violation of their right to healthcare and flies in the face of the right to human dignity. A sick teacher cannot be productive,” said Nthurima.

“These funds are a component of teachers’ salaries — hived off from their previous medical allowances.” 

The union also pleaded with accredited hospitals to continue offering services despite the challenges. 

Meanwhile, the medical scheme has upgraded 17 hospitals to referral status.

“These hospitals, classified as Levels 4, 5 or 6, will handle specialised cases requiring advanced care. The changes follow consultations with the (Teachers Service) Commission to align with national referral protocols,” said a statement by the scheme’s consortium made up of Minet, Britam, CIC and Jubilee insurance companies.