The Kenya National Union of Teachers has protested the AGC Tenwek Hospital’s decision to suspend Social Health Authority services for teachers.
Kipkelion Branch Executive Secretary David Bore, while describing the move as ill-advised, asked the hospital located in Bomet to reconsider and show mercy to patients.
Speaking to the press, he said hundreds of teachers have been affected so far, stating that the decision has caused panic among teachers and their families.
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“Tenwek has suspended treatment for teachers. As a union, we ask this hospital to show true Christianity and have mercy on teachers. This declaration is like inviting sickness to teachers and is unacceptable,” he said.
He told the government and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to urgently remit medical allowances to medical facilities so teachers can enjoy services.
According to him, the government has continued making the deductions over the years, with tutors remaining in the dark about them.
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“We ask the government and TSC to release money to hospitals so that teachers can continue getting services. The government deducts money from teachers, and we don’t know where this money goes, yet it should be paying bills on time,” he lamented.
Bore further suggested that teachers be refunded their allowances and that they should be allowed to choose their preferred medical schemes rather than being forced to stick to the Social Health Authority (SHA) alone.
“For teachers to continue receiving medical services, they should act fast. If they think that SHA is the only provider, we tell them sorry because this is the teachers’ coverage who paid for it. But if they want, they can refund the allowances and continue with their plans,” added Bore.
The decision by AGC Tenwek is informed by the delayed payment of teachers’ bills by their employer, TSC.
By Kimutai Langat
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