Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers Demands SHA Disbandment.
The Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers has joined other institutions in demanding the dissolution of the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical scheme. The union claims that numerous members have been denied access to health services due to the scheme’s financial difficulties.
According to the union’s General Secretary, James Torome, special needs teachers have been facing immense hardship because of the ongoing crisis. He stated that the SHA scheme was ineffective and urged the government to revert to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Torome also noted that private hospitals had issued a notice that they would cease operations under SHA starting Monday. He mentioned receiving multiple distress calls from sick teachers who were uncertain about how to access medical services.
Suspension of Services Begins
The Rural and Urban Private Hospital Association of Kenya (RUPHA) has outlined operational guidelines for its member facilities ahead of the planned suspension of services under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
This suspension, set to begin on Monday, will require Kenyans to either pay for healthcare out of pocket or seek alternative coverage options at private facilities. However, patients already admitted under SHA before the deadline will not be affected.
RUPHA emphasized that patients should not be detained due to the suspension but must instead be referred to a hospital of their choice if they rely solely on SHA or MKL medical cover.
Patients who were admitted before the suspension date will continue receiving care under existing terms until their discharge. The association reiterated that no new admissions under SHA or MKL will be accepted after the cut-off date unless payment guarantees for outstanding arrears are received.
RUPHA has called for the settlement of Ksh 30 billion in overdue payments from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). While firm on their demand, the association stated that they are open to a structured payment plan, provided it does not exceed a three-month period.
Read Also: RUPHA Issues New Guidelines for Teachers as Private Hospitals Suspend SHA Services
The looming crisis in the healthcare system is expected to cause disruptions, but RUPHA remains open to discussions if the government commits to resolving their financial concerns.
With this suspension set to impact access to essential health services, the association has expressed regret over the decision, noting that its primary objective remains providing quality healthcare.
Nevertheless, unless their financial demands are met, private hospitals under RUPHA will adhere to the suspension, awaiting a government response to the ongoing crisis.
Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers Demands SHA Disbandment
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