NAIROBI, Kenya — Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has warned health facilities against denying treatment to patients under the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme due to system downtime, saying such actions violate Kenyans’ constitutional right to healthcare.
Duale directed all medical facilities contracted under SHA to continue providing services even when technical challenges arise, cautioning that institutions turning away patients risk immediate suspension and possible termination of their contracts.
The CS issued the warning during a meeting with leaders from the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) at Afya House, the headquarters of the Ministry of Health (Kenya).
The discussions focused on the implementation of the Public Officers Medical Cover, following the successful transition of 413,577 teachers to the Social Health Authority system.
Expanded Support for Teachers
To strengthen service delivery under the scheme, Duale announced that 425 senior officers have been appointed within the SHA to support implementation.
Of these, 367 officers have been deployed to counties to provide on-the-ground support and assist teachers encountering challenges while accessing medical services at health facilities.
The CS also revealed that a 24-hour focal person has been assigned to handle urgent issues related to the Mwalimu Medical Cover, the health insurance programme serving teachers across the country.
County Oversight Committees
In addition, the government has established 47 County Joint Committees to oversee the implementation of the teachers’ medical scheme.
The committees will be chaired by Teachers Service Commission county directors and will include SHA managers and union representatives.
Officials said the committees will hold quarterly meetings to resolve operational challenges and improve coordination between health facilities, insurers, and education stakeholders.
Emergency Support Channels
Duale also announced the activation of a 24-hour toll-free hotline (0800 720 601) and a short code (147) to assist teachers facing emergencies or administrative challenges while seeking healthcare services.
The government further plans to launch a nationwide education campaign involving SHA, the Teachers Service Commission, and KUPPET to help teachers better understand their benefits and access the digital patient portal under the scheme.
Worker Representation in SHA
The CS said workers’ interests remain protected within the governance structure of the Social Health Authority, noting that the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) is represented on the authority’s board.
The meeting was attended by several senior officials, including Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Medical Services; Patrick Amoth, Director-General for Health; Mercy Mwangangi, Chief Executive Officer of SHA; and Anthony Lenayara, CEO of the Digital Health Agency.
Also present were KUPPET Secretary-General Akelo Misori and acting TSC Chief Executive Officer Eveleen Mitei.
