This archive report was first published on 12 September 2019.
On September 12, 2019, the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) issued a directive to health facilities stationed in schools, ordering them to withdraw their staff and services due to failure to be accredited by the insurer.
The directive has left secondary school principals in a dilemma, as they are unsure of where to take their students for treatment if the affected hospitals withdraw their services.
Kenya Secondary School's Heads Association (Kessha) Chairman Kahi Indimuli expressed concern over the directive, stating that it has instilled fear among health services providers, who are afraid they will not be paid for treating students.
Mr. Indimuli emphasized that schools are in a crisis, as major hospitals are located far from some of the learning institutions, and that the insurer must be clear in its engagement with schools.
The school heads want all communication regarding the EduAfya medical scheme to be done through the Ministry of Education and not from NHIF regional offices.
They have also faulted the insurer for acting without consulting and involving the school administrations.
Officials from the Ministry of Education and those from NHIF are said to have met on Thursday to discuss the way forward, but the school heads were not invited to the meeting.
