The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has announced the impending transition to Social Health Authority (SHA) cover, ending weeks of uncertainty and threats.
The planned transition follows months of consultations amid concerns and objections from teachers' unions, which prompted parliamentary scrutiny over the move to the new national scheme.
With the current teachers' medical scheme set to expire on November 30, TSC acting Chief Executive Officer Evaleen Mitei confirmed the transition to SHA would take effect from December 1.
The breakthrough came after a meeting on Monday, November 10, chaired by Mitei, where critical details of the move were finalised before the expiration of the current Ksh20 billion contract.
"What we have agreed is we are transitioning to SHA from December 1," TSC acting CEO Evaleen Mitei Revealed. "As you are aware, the medical scheme for teachers under the previous scheme is coming to an end on November 30.
In September, SHA officials presented their proposal to the union leaders, outlining all details they wanted to be ironed out before transitioning to the new scheme.
At the time, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary-General, Collins Oyuu, maintained that teachers would not be rushed into the new system as he called for clarity regarding what is covered, timely service delivery, and the necessity of the group life cover.
After consultations on Monday, teachers and their kin were guaranteed access to a group life cover under SHA.
Further, teachers' concerns about pre-authorisation hurdles and full disclosure of benefits and hospital networks were also addressed.
In a statement on social media, the TSC announced it had revamped its Medical Division and administrative framework to facilitate seamless transition and effective implementation of the scheme.
In addition, the Commission announced the sensitisation of all the Secretariat staff, including field staff, on the proposed transition to SHA to facilitate effective communication.
"The Teachers Service Commission is holding a consultative meeting with Teacher Unions and Associations to finalise the transition of teachers’ medical cover to the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF) at Safari Park Hotel," TSC added.
