Gerald Kyalo. (geraldbway).
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has cautioned health facilities against denying treatment to patients under the Social Health Authority (SHA) due to system downtime, warning that such actions breach Kenyans' constitutional right to healthcare. Speaking at Afya House in Nairobi, Duale directed all health facilities contracted under SHA to continue providing services even when technical disruptions occur.
The CS warned that any facility found turning away patients because of system challenges risks immediate suspension and possible termination of its contract with the authority. Duale's warning comes amid rising tensions after KUPPET issued a seven-day strike notice over what it described as a failing SHA medical cover.
To improve service delivery, Duale announced that 425 senior officers have been appointed within SHA to help manage the rollout of the scheme. A dedicated 24-hour focal person has been assigned to handle urgent matters related to the Mwalimu Medical Cover. Additionally, 47 county-level joint committees were formed to oversee the implementation of the teachers' medical scheme.
The Ministry of Health also agreed to collaborate with the TSC and KUPPET to roll out a nationwide sensitisation campaign aimed at educating teachers about their medical benefits, how to access the patient portal, and how to navigate the scheme.
The CS warned that any facility found turning away patients because of system challenges risks immediate suspension and possible termination of its contract with the authority. Duale's warning comes amid rising tensions after KUPPET issued a seven-day strike notice over what it described as a failing SHA medical cover.
To improve service delivery, Duale announced that 425 senior officers have been appointed within SHA to help manage the rollout of the scheme. A dedicated 24-hour focal person has been assigned to handle urgent matters related to the Mwalimu Medical Cover. Additionally, 47 county-level joint committees were formed to oversee the implementation of the teachers' medical scheme.
The Ministry of Health also agreed to collaborate with the TSC and KUPPET to roll out a nationwide sensitisation campaign aimed at educating teachers about their medical benefits, how to access the patient portal, and how to navigate the scheme.
