Ministry of Health moved to calm concerns raised by teachers’ unions over the transition to the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF), assuring educators that the new system is fully operational and delivering seamless healthcare services nationwide.
In a statement, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said there is “absolutely no cause for alarm,” noting that the POMSF, administered under the Social Health Authority (SHA), is performing exceptionally well.
According to the Ministry, more than 249,000 teachers and their dependents have successfully accessed treatment across the country since the rollout of the scheme.
Current claims have surpassed Sh3.5 billion, reflecting what officials described as strong uptake and operational efficiency.
Teachers have accessed services in 2,823 health facilities, signaling expanded choice compared to the previous insurance model.
The Ministry highlighted significant utilization across several counties with Nairobi County leading with 30,766 claims totaling Sh527.7 million.
Uasin Gishu County follows with 29,212 claims worth Sh463.2 million.
Meru County recorded 34,189 claims amounting to Sh243.8 million and Bungoma County posted 29,743 claims valued at Sh237.6 million.
Other counties registering high utilization include Kisii County, Kisumu County, Nakuru County, Kiambu County, Trans Nzoia County, and Kericho County.
The Ministry acknowledged that the transition marks a major shift from previous private insurance arrangements, which it said were characterized by restrictive networks, opaque administrative limits, inflated premiums, and limited access to care.
Under the new framework, the Government says it has eliminated profit-driven intermediaries, ensuring that allocated funds go directly toward healthcare services for teachers and their dependents.
The Ministry said it is working closely with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and SHA to monitor the system in real time and address any teething challenges to prevent service disruption.
Teachers have been urged to continue seeking services at SHA-contracted facilities nationwide with confidence, as the Government reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding their health and welfare.
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