Teachers’ Unions Call For Better Medical Cover for Teachers
Teachers are set to wait for a few weeks at least for the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to finalize the approval of the selection of an insurance provider.
According to the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary-General Collins Oyuu, teachers had in previous times voiced their concerns over the current medical insurance provider, AON Minet.
Oyuu said that despite having an insufficient budget, the Commission should be able to provide a better medical plan for its employees (teachers).
“Our position remains that teachers need better than what they have at the moment in terms of medical cover,” he said.
Yesterday, the KNUT Sec-Gen supported the original demand by their rival teachers’ union the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) made on Thursday.
“We wish that the treasury allocates more funds to this course so that teachers will be able to access better facilities and satisfactory medical attention,” said Oyuu.
According to the KUPPET Secretary-General Akelo Misori, problems with the funding could prevent teachers from receiving medical care.
According to Misori, the Commission will require around Kshs. 15 Billion to fund the teachers’ insurance scheme.
According to Oyuu, the problem teachers have with AON Minet is that they want improved services.
Besides, he also revealed that the Commission handled complaints regarding bad service differently in previous times.
To qualify as an insurance provider for teachers, a provider has to possess valid registration certificates from the Insurance Regulatory Authority.
The awarded contract will be valid for a duration of fewer than three years and can be renewed annually based on performance.
AON Minet has been blamed by teachers on many occasions for providing limited medical services and frequently misrepresented services.
Teachers are calling for the Commission to transform the teachers’ medical coverage and ensure quality health services.
The teachers also want the National Assembly to conduct an investigation into the medical scheme’s tender process and oversee TSC operations for the sake of openness.
More than 20 hospitals were blacklisted last year for improper methods that swindled the teachers’ medical scheme.
Teachers and their dependents had been blamed for partnering with hospitals to defraud the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) of insurance funds. Among these bad acts were fraudulent claims, impersonation and overcharging of members.
In the Commission’s defence, its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Nancy Macharia said that teachers’ coverage was 99.9% effective and had asked AON Minet to close the gaps.
“It is just a small fraction that gives us sleepless nights. And I can assure you that we are very hard on Minet to ensure teachers are happy,” said Dr Macharia.
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