Duale warns health facilities against denying patients treatment during system downtime
Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale Tuesday warned health facilities against denying patients treatment due to system downtimes, saying such actions violate Kenyans’ constitutional right to healthcare.
Speaking at Afya House in Nairobi, the CS directed all facilities contracted under the Social Health Authority (SHA) to continue offering services even when technical challenges arise.
He cautioned that any facility found turning away patients risks immediate suspension and possible termination of its contract.
Duale issued the warning while hosting a delegation from the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers led by National Chairperson Omboko Milemba.
The meeting focused on the Public Officers Medical Cover following the successful transition of 413,577 teachers to the SHA scheme.
To enhance service delivery under the programme, the CS announced that 425 senior officers have been appointed within the authority, with 367 already deployed to counties to provide on-the-ground support and assist teachers facing challenges at health facilities.
He also revealed that a dedicated 24-hour focal person has been assigned to address urgent issues under the Mwalimu Medical Cover.
Additionally, 47 County Joint Committees have been formed to oversee implementation of the teachers’ medical scheme at the county level.
The committees, chaired by county directors from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and comprising SHA managers and union representatives, will meet quarterly to resolve operational issues and strengthen coordination.
Duale further announced the activation of a 24-hour toll-free hotline (0800 720 601) and short code (147) to assist teachers experiencing emergencies or administrative challenges while accessing care.
In addition, the Social Health Authority, the Teachers Service Commission and KUPPET will roll out a nationwide awareness campaign to help teachers understand their benefits, access the patient portal and navigate the scheme.
The CS emphasized that workers’ interests remain protected within the governance structure of SHA, noting that the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) is represented on the Authority’s board.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga, Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth, SHA Chief Executive Officer Mercy Mwangangi, Digital Health Agency CEO Anthony Lenayara, KUPPET Secretary-General Akelo Misori and TSC Acting CEO Eveleen Mitei, alongside other senior officials from the Ministry of Health.