This archive report was first published on 12 September 2019.
On September 12, 2019, the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) made a significant move to address the challenges of providing healthcare services to secondary school students.
Administering healthcare to this age group is a delicate task that requires prompt and reliable service providers.
Unfortunately, some unscrupulous individuals have been exploiting the system for personal gain, which is why the NHIF's efforts to streamline healthcare in secondary schools are commendable.
The NHIF's EduAfya medical cover has been designed to plug the loopholes being exploited by these crooked operators.
By declaring that it will not pay for services provided by unaccredited medical suppliers, the NHIF has sent a strong warning shot to those who would seek to manipulate the system.
Only through proper registration can the efficiency and capacity of service providers be assessed and confirmed, ensuring that students receive the medical care they need.
As schools have already reopened for the third term, it is essential that this process is completed quickly, as illnesses cannot be put on hold.
Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang has advised schools to choose service providers who can deliver the goods, and the NHIF must ensure that the student medical cover becomes an effective tool for providing healthcare in schools.
