Teachers in the North Rift region will go on strike from Wednesday over a healthcare access crisis caused by Minet’s restrictions. Thousands of teachers are unable to access medical care from their preferred facilities, especially those with chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
Why Are Teachers Protesting?
Limited Medical Facilities
- Teachers say Minet has reduced the number of approved medical facilities, now teachers have to go to hospitals that are inaccessible, under-equipped or already overwhelmed.
- Some hospitals including major ones in the region have stopped accepting teachers under Minet’s insurance plan, leaving many stranded.
Impact on Teachers with Chronic Conditions
- Patients with chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension need consistent medical care from familiar doctors.
- Teachers have been forced to switch to new doctors and hospitals, they argue that disrupts treatment and puts their health at risk.
- Long distances to the remaining approved facilities is inconvenient and expensive, especially for teachers in rural areas.
Teacher Unions Demand Action Now
- Knut and Kuppet have taken a strong stance against Minet’s monopolistic restrictions.
- Leaders accuse Minet of not consulting teachers before changing their medical cover.
- If nothing is done, protests will escalate and affect learning in hundreds of schools.
Minet’s Response: Downplaying the Crisis?
Minet says:
✅ Only six out of 800 hospitals have withdrawn services.
✅ They are engaging with affected facilities to resolve the issue.
✅ Alternative hospitals have been provided for teachers.
But teachers say:
❌ Those six hospitals are main institutions serving thousands.
❌ Remaining facilities are overwhelmed, patients are facing long wait times and poor service.
❌ Teachers have been denied the right to choose their healthcare providers.
What’s Next? Possible Learning Disruptions
- Teachers have given a final warning—if Minet and the government fail to act, demonstrations will begin on Wednesday.* It will spread to all North Rift region schools and affect thousands of students.
With teachers, doctors and teachers’ unions on the same side, Minet and government must act now.