Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 1013995,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1013995/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 122,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Nyamunga",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 738,
        "legal_name": "Rose Nyamunga Ogendo",
        "slug": "rose-nyamunga-ogendo"
    },
    "content": "(1) Very low capitation on outpatient services, with some capped at as low as Kshs90, inclusive of doctors’ consultations, tests and drugs; (2) Restrictions on the hospitals they are allowed to visit for treatment, some of which are ill-equipped and lack qualified personnel; (3) Delays in approvals, which sometimes can take up to one month. This is really absurd, considering that at times, it might be that the life of a teacher might be at stake; (4) There have been instances where hospitals have turned away teachers insured by AON Minet because of the challenges they face while lodging claims with the company; (5) Some health facilities, such as Bliss, operate only between 8.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m., thus making it difficult for teachers who fall ill at night to get the help they need; and, (6) On dental services, only tooth extraction is catered for by AON MINET. Other essential services like cleaning, refilling, root canal treatment and tooth replacement or dentures are not covered. Madam Deputy Speaker, the decision to introduce a medical cover for teachers was very good because it was a step in the right direction. However, there appears to be glaring gaps and challenges that must be addressed by the employer immediately. Considering that teachers play a crucial role in shaping the future generation of this country, it beats logic why they cannot get the best of health services available. If we cannot treat our teachers with dignity, then we have lost it as a country because when a teacher is frustrated, the trickle-down effect will definitely affect our children. These same teachers are facing double deduction both for National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) and AON MINET yet, despite the significant deduction on their pay slips, there are no commensurate services. Madam Deputy Speaker, with the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic and the imminent reopening of schools, it is prudent that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) addresses some of these concerns raised by the teachers of this country. The fear of a second wave of the virus is real and our teachers need to feel safe. Madam Deputy Speaker, it behooves any government to offer quality and affordable healthcare to her citizens. The President, through the Big Four Agenda, had a good intention of ensuring that health care was, not only made accessible, but also affordable and of the highest quality. It is my hope that the TSC will address these concerns of substandard services offered by AON MINET and will ensure that teachers’ need for quality healthcare is treated with the importance it deserves. I thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker."
}