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North Rift teachers to strike on Wednesday over healthcare access crisis
Under its newly established Social Health Authority (SHA), Kenya is rolling out social health insurance financed by both tax revenues and individual/household premium contributions.
Teachers in the North Rift region are set to down their tools Wednesday over a healthcare access crisis that has left thousands unable to receive medical care at their preferred facilities.
The dispute centres around recent restrictions imposed by their insurance provider, Minet, which has significantly reduced the number of accessible healthcare facilities in the region.
In a dramatic show of protest Monday, hundreds of teachers, led by representatives from the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) and Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), marched to Minet's North Rift offices demanding immediate resolution to the healthcare disruption that has particularly affected those with chronic conditions.
"We have teachers suffering from diabetes and other chronic illnesses who can't access their regular doctors because of arbitrary directives from our insurer," said Rose Cheboi, Uasin Gishu Women Representative.
"The government provided this insurance to cater to our needs, but the monopolistic approach being implemented by Makilu and Minet is something we categorically reject."
The healthcare crisis has exposed deep-seated issues within the teacher's medical insurance scheme. Teachers argue that the facilities they've been redirected to lack adequate equipment and fail to meet the standards of Level 4 and Level 5 hospitals, potentially compromising the quality of care they receive.
The situation is particularly dire for teachers managing chronic conditions. Mary Kiprop, a secondary school teacher in Eldoret who has lived with diabetes for fifteen years, describes the challenges: "I need weekly check-ups and monthly medication adjustments. My doctor has managed my condition for years and understands my medical history. Now, I'm expected to start afresh with a new doctor at a facility I didn't choose."
Healthcare providers have also voiced concerns about the sudden changes. A doctor at one of the facilities affected by the restrictions explains: "We've been serving the teaching community for over two decades. This abrupt change not only disrupts continuous care for chronic patients but also breaks the crucial doctor-patient relationships we've built over years," The medic, who did not want to be named, said.
Edwin Kegode, General Manager at Minet's regional office, attempted to downplay the crisis, stating that only six facilities out of their network of 800 registered healthcare providers have withdrawn their services. "We are actively engaging with these facilities to resolve the matter promptly," Kegode said. "In the meantime, we have communicated alternative facilities to our members to ensure continuity of care."
However, teachers argue that the statistics mask the real impact of the restrictions. "It's not about the number of facilities available on paper," a Kuppet representative in the North Rift said. "These six facilities include major hospitals that have been serving thousands of teachers. The alternative facilities are already overwhelmed, leading to long waiting times and compromised care quality."
At the heart of the dispute is the issue of patient choice and dignity in healthcare access. "It's degrading for our insurer to direct us like this - it amounts to modern-day slavery," Cheboi stated during the protest. "Teachers need the freedom to choose whether to seek care at MTRH, Top Hill, St. Luke's, or Life Care. When you entrust your health to an insurer, you should have the right to choose your healthcare providers."
The restriction has created a logistical nightmare for many teachers, especially those in rural areas. Sarah Jepchumba, a primary school teacher in Nandi County, shares her experience: "I used to access specialised care at a hospital near me, which is convenient for my location. Now, I'm expected to travel an additional 40 kilometres to reach an approved facility. This is not just inconvenient; it's expensive and time-consuming."
Now the teachers say if access is not restored, they will begin demonstrations on Wednesday, which could affect hundreds of schools across the North Rift region, potentially disrupting learning for thousands of students.