Embu teachers skipping classes 'to search for herbal remedies in the bush’ over SHA failures

The union lamented that their members have experienced difficulties accessing medical services through their insurance scheme and have taken to alternative medicine in a desperate move.

It threatened to take industrial action if systemic failures with the SHA system are not addressed and if their members continue to experience problems accessing healthcare services.

KUPPET Embu County Secretary, Jacob Karuraa, said,” The only private hospital in Embu County that had been providing services to teachers under our health scheme has withdrawn its services due to unpaid claims. This has left teachers without reliable healthcare options, forcing many to seek alternative treatments such as traditional herbal remedies.”

He continued, “The situation is compounded by the poor state of public hospitals in the county, which often lack essential medical supplies, including basic drugs. As a result, teachers are unable to receive adequate medical attention, leading them to search for herbal remedies in the bushes and diverting their focus away from their teaching duties.”

The union called for the matter to be addressed urgently, adding that they are contemplating going on strike if the situation does not change.