State assures teachers of uninterrupted healthcare under SHA cover

The government has assured teachers that healthcare services under the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF) are running smoothly, dismissing concerns raised by teachers’ unions over access to treatment following the transition to the new system.

Health CS Aden Duale said the scheme, administered by the Social Health Authority (SHA), is fully operational and effectively providing healthcare services to teachers and their dependents across the country.

Duale said the Ministry of Health had noted concerns from union leaders regarding the transition but maintained that there was no cause for alarm, emphasising that the system was functioning well.

“We wish to categorically assure our teachers and the general public that there is absolutely no cause for alarm. The POMSF, administered under the Social Health Authority (SHA), is not only fully operational but is performing exceptionally well, ensuring that the health needs of our educators are met without disruption,” Duale said in a statement.

“To set the record straight and dispel any narrative suggesting that teachers are being turned away or denied care, the data speaks for itself.”

According to the ministry, more than 249,000 teachers and their dependents have already received treatment through the scheme, with total claims exceeding Sh3.5 billion since its rollout.

“Teachers are accessing services without disruption across a wide network of health facilities nationwide,” the CS said.

Data released by the ministry shows that teachers have sought care in 2,823 health facilities across the country, a move the government says reflects expanded access compared to previous arrangements.

A breakdown of utilisation indicates that Nairobi County recorded the highest number of claims at 30,766, amounting to Sh527.7 million, followed by Uasin Gishu County with 29,212 claims worth Sh463.2 million.

Other counties with significant uptake include Meru County with 34,189 claims valued at Sh243.8 million and Bungoma County, which recorded 29,743 claims totalling Sh237.6 million.

The ministry also noted strong utilisation in Kisii County, Kisumu County, Nakuru County, Kiambu County, Trans Nzoia County and Kericho County.

Teachers are currently accessing services in both public and private healthcare facilities contracted under the SHA framework.

Duale said the new scheme represents a major shift from previous private insurance arrangements that he said were characterized by high premiums, opaque administrative limits and restricted access to medical services.

“The POMSF eliminates profit-driven middlemen and ensures that government funds go directly into purchasing quality healthcare for teachers and their dependents,” he said.

He added that the Ministry of Health is working closely with the Teachers Service Commission and SHA to monitor the system in real time and resolve any emerging challenges.

Duale urged teachers to continue seeking services from SHA-contracted health facilities, reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health and welfare of educators across the country.