NHIF should extend cover to students who are set to resume school – DP Ruto

Deputy President William Ruto has lauded the Teacher’s Service Commission (TSC) for extending its medical cover to cater for teachers who contract COVID-19.

DP Ruto urged the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to emulate the TSC and extend its cover to cater for its members and especially students who are set to resume in-person learning on January 4.

In a Tweet, DP Ruto said that all the available resources in the country should be mobilized to enable the NHIF meet its obligations.

His sentiments come just a day after the Ministry of Education announced that schools would be opened for in-person learning on January 4.

During a joint press conference on Tuesday, the TSC announced new measures to cushion teachers who may contract COVID-19.

The comision announced that it had negotiated with the Teachers’ medical provider to ensure teachers are covered for all COVID-19 related illnesses.

At the same time,  the commission announced a COVID-19 reporting tool which will enable teachers monitor and report suspected cases by dialing *202*07# on any network.

The tool will enable teachers access care and support expeditiously as the pandemic continues to pound the country.

The announcement was a reprieve for teachers who had failed to get the ear of the NHIF on matters COVID-19.

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe had thrown a spanner into the works a week earlier, saying the NHIF would be unable to cover members under the current premiums’ computation.