The Teacher
39 medical scheme was the ease of access . Any teacher or their dependents could seek services from any facility anywhere in the country so long it was on the panel . Given the geographical spread of teachers in all parts of the country , this was a big boom for the teaching fraternity .
In fact , it reached a point where teaching in a Public school was the much sought for job ; this was largely because teachers enjoyed lavish healthcare benefits that appeared more valuable than any other reward a Public servant could get from the Government .
As we reflect on the performance of Aon-Minet since October 2015 when
A teacher affects eternity ; he can never tell where his influence stops .
Henry Brookes Adam
the Scheme was launched , we call on the TSC to audit the scheme ’ s impact on teachers ’ health access . Quality , accessible and affordable healthcare is a right to every Kenyan – but this is not the case with most teachers today .
Teachers have taken an issue with healthcare providers , saying the Scheme is killing their moral as some of the contracted hospitals , health centres and clinics have literally turned away teachers insured by Aon-Minet .
It is even baffling when the insurance administrator contracts hospitals and other medical facilities that clearly lack the threshold to offer medical services because of lack of qualified personnel , drugs and medical equipment .
Teachers are not comfortable with some of the health facilities such as BLISS which operate intermittently between 8 am and 5pm – offering substandard services such as poor tests and diagnosis . These facilities besides offering poor services , do not provide round-the-clock medical services , thus teachers who fall ill at night fail to receive medical attention .
Specifically , teachers ’ complaints centre at very low capitation on Outpatient services , with some capped at as low as Shs 900 , inclusive of doctor ’ s consultations , tests and drugs . There are restrictions on the hospitals teachers are allowed to visit for treatment , some of which are ill-equipped and lack adequately trained personnel .
There are delays in approvals of payments , which sometimes take up to one month , hence putting the life of a teacher at risk . Significantly too is the fact that presently many teachers are facing challenges lodging claims with Aon-Minet . There is limited access to health facilities due to rigid operating hours . Worse still , there are limited dental services , where only tooth extraction is cared for by Aon-Minet . On dental services , the Scheme administrator doesn ’ t cater for crucial services such as cleaning , refilling , root canalling and tooth replacement . It is prudent that this issue is relooked to allow teachers to enjoy full healthcare benefits and ensure their well being is catered for .
Dorothy Muthoni is the National Chair , KEWOTA
EdSource Quarterly | Oct-Dec l 2021