Embu teachers call for reforms of SHA medical cover

Teachers in Mbeere South Sub-County, Embu County, have called for urgent reforms in the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical scheme, saying gaps in the system are making it difficult for them to access quality healthcare services. Speaking to the press after their Annual General Meeting at Meka Market on Sunday, the teachers said they are often forced to make additional out-of-pocket payments to settle hospital bills despite their monthly pay deductions towards their medical cover. The teachers said the situation has placed an additional financial burden on them and their families, particularly when seeking treatment for conditions requiring specialized medical attention. Stephen Ndangara who is the Chairman of the Mbeere South Teachers Welfare Association said teachers previously enjoyed better access to healthcare services under the private medical scheme managed by AON Minet before the transition to SHA in December 2025. Ndangara said the previous scheme provided teachers with a wide network of healthcare facilities and comprehensive services, and urged the Government to address the challenges being experienced under SHA. He said teachers should be able to receive treatment without being subjected to unexpected payments and long preauthorization processes, arguing that the deductions made from their salaries should translate into quality and prompt medical services. Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi, who addressed the teachers during the meeting, said as leaders they will continue pushing for reforms in the health insurance system to ensure that Kenyans benefit from the contributions they make towards healthcare. Mundigi called on the Ministry of Health to identify and address gaps within SHA, saying the scheme must be improved to meet the expectations of teachers and other Kenyans who rely on it for medical services. Makima Ward MCA Philip Nzangi echoed the concerns, saying patients should not be forced to dig deeper into their pockets whenever they visit hospitals after already making regular contributions to the scheme. The leaders urged the government to listen to the concerns raised by teachers and other SHA beneficiaries, saying an effective health insurance system should provide affordable and reliable healthcare without exposing members to additional financial hardship.