Agony as teachers skip classes ‘to search for herbal remedies in the bush’ over SHA failures

Agony as teachers skip classes ‘to search for herbal remedies in the bush’ over SHA failures

Teachers are in distress as some have begun skipping classes to forage for herbal remedies due to failures in the Social Health Authority (SHA) system.

The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Embu branch reports that a portion of its members has left their responsibilities to gather medicinal plants in the bush, seeking alternative treatments because of difficulties accessing healthcare through their insurance scheme.

The union expressed concern over the challenges its members face in obtaining medical services and warned of potential industrial action if the ongoing issues with the SHA system are not resolved.

Jacob Karuraa, the KUPPET Embu County Secretary, stated, “The only private hospital in Embu County that was providing services to teachers under our health scheme has stopped due to unpaid claims. This has left teachers without dependable healthcare options, pushing many to seek traditional herbal remedies.”

He added, “The situation is worsened by the inadequate conditions of public hospitals in the county, which frequently lack essential medical supplies, including basic medications. Consequently, teachers are unable to receive proper medical care, leading them to search for herbal remedies in the bushes and diverting their attention from their teaching responsibilities.”

The union urged for immediate action on this issue and indicated that they are considering a strike if the situation does not improve.