Govt Assures Teachers Of Uninterrupted Healthcare Under SHA
Health Updated: 06 March 2026 10:47 EAT
The Social Health Authority headquarters located at SHA Building on Ragati Road in Nairobi
Govt Assures Teachers Of Uninterrupted Healthcare Under SHA
The government has assured teachers that their medical services under the Social Health Authority (SHA) remain uninterrupted, amid concerns raised over the transition to the new health financing system. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund continues to provide treatment for teachers and their dependents across the country.
According to the Ministry of Health, more than 249,000 teachers and their dependents have already accessed treatment under the scheme since the rollout of SHA. The ministry said the figure reflects steady utilisation of the health cover by educators nationwide.
Officials reported that claims processed under the programme have surpassed Sh3.5 billion. The payments cover a wide range of medical services including inpatient care, outpatient treatment, maternity services and chronic disease management.
The government said teachers are accessing care in thousands of accredited facilities under the scheme. Both public and private hospitals contracted by SHA are providing services to teachers and their beneficiaries.
The ministry added that the new system allows teachers greater flexibility in choosing healthcare providers compared to the previous arrangement. Officials said this has expanded access to treatment in different parts of the country.
Data released by the government shows that several counties have recorded high utilisation of the medical cover. Urban counties in particular have registered a large number of claims due to the concentration of health facilities.
The reassurance from the government comes amid concerns raised by teachers’ unions regarding the implementation of the scheme. Union leaders have cited delays in service and confusion in some hospitals during the transition period.
Education stakeholders have been urging the government to ensure smooth access to healthcare for teachers, noting that medical cover is a critical welfare component for the teaching workforce.
The government has maintained that ongoing system improvements are being implemented to address operational challenges. Officials said the health authority continues to work with hospitals to streamline claim processing and service delivery.
Authorities have urged teachers to continue using the scheme, saying the programme is designed to guarantee universal access to healthcare for public officers while ensuring that services remain available without disruption.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD