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.