Teachers from six North Rift counties have given the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) insurance provider, Minet, 24 hours to reinstate services at medical facilities in Eldoret.
The educators, represented by the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), have threatened to strike if the hospital services are not restored.
During a demonstration at Minet’s offices in Eldoret, union officials expressed their frustrations over the withdrawal of services, stating that teachers are enduring significant hardship as a result.
According to the union representatives, Minet has suspended services at Reale Hospital, Life Care Hospital, and Top Hill Hospital, thus denying teachers access to essential medical care.
Sammy Bor, the KNUT Executive Secretary for the Chepkoilel branch, described Minet’s actions as unwarranted, emphasizing that many teachers, particularly those with terminal illnesses, are now at risk.
He asked the TSC to intervene promptly to ensure that teachers can continue receiving medical care from the affected facilities.
READ ALSO: Court suspends Controller of Budget, governors’ bursaries
“We are giving Minet 24 hours to reinstate services at Reale, Life Care, and Top Hill hospitals. Suspending medical services for our members is an insult to teachers in this country. Our members’ contributions are deducted, and they deserve to receive the medical care they require. This situation cannot continue,” Bor stated.
Similar concerns were raised by KUPPET Elgeyo Marakwet official Paul Biwot, who criticized the isurer for being insensitive by restricting teachers to only one medical facility in Eldoret.
Biwot pointed out that the town serves six counties and should have multiple facilities available to cater to educators’ needs.
“We have instructed our members that if the commission does not lift the suspension, no teacher will attend class starting Wednesday, February 5. We cannot allow teachers to be forced to rely on a single facility. This situation will worsen their well-being, as it results to overcrowding in one small area,” Biwot explained.
He also expressed confusion over why services were withdrawn from all major medical facilities.
By Philemon Kiprop
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape