Faith Masita
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has issued a strong warning to hospitals across Kenya, declaring that no patient should be denied treatment because of system downtime, and cautioning that facilities that do so risk losing their contracts with the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Speaking during a meeting with leaders from the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) at Afya House in Nairobi, Duale said denying care under the excuse of technical challenges is unacceptable and violates Kenyans’ constitutional right to healthcare.
Speaking during a meeting with leaders from the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) at Afya House in Nairobi, Duale said denying care under the excuse of technical challenges is unacceptable and violates Kenyans’ constitutional right to healthcare.
“Health facilities must continue providing treatment even when there is system downtime. Denying patients services under the pretext of system failure is unacceptable and violates Kenyans’ constitutional right to healthcare,” the CS said.
Duale warned that hospitals contracted under SHA must continue offering services regardless of technical challenges. “Any facility found turning away patients because of system downtime risks immediate suspension and possible termination of its contract,” he added.
The meeting focused on the Public Officers Medical Cover following the successful transition of 413,577 teachers to the Social Health Authority scheme.
To strengthen service delivery, the CS announced that 425 senior officers have been appointed within SHA, with 367 deployed to counties to provide on-the-ground support and assist teachers facing challenges while accessing care.
“We have deployed officers across counties to ensure teachers receive the services they deserve and to resolve challenges that may arise at health facilities,” Duale said.
He also revealed that a dedicated 24-hour focal person has been assigned to handle urgent issues under the Mwalimu Medical Cover, while 47 County Joint Committees have been established to oversee implementation of the teachers’ medical scheme at the county level.
The committees, chaired by county directors from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), include SHA managers and union representatives and will meet quarterly to address operational issues and improve coordination.
Duale further announced the activation of a 24-hour toll-free hotline (0800 720 601) and short code (147) to assist teachers experiencing emergencies or administrative challenges while accessing healthcare services.
In addition, SHA, the Teachers Service Commission and KUPPET will roll out a nationwide education campaign to help teachers understand their benefits, access the patient portal and navigate the medical scheme.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga, Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth, SHA CEO Mercy Mwangangi, Digital Health Agency CEO Anthony Lenayara, KUPPET Secretary-General Akelo Misori and TSC Acting CEO Eveleen Mitei, alongside senior Ministry of Health officials.
