State to onboard school clinics under SHA for learners treatment

The government is strengthening the Social Health Authority (SHA) programme in learning institutions to ensuring school clinics are accredited to provide seamless medical care for students.

Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said they are collaborating with the Ministry of Education to ensure school clinics are brought under the SHA programme to enabling learners to access treatment without unnecessary disruptions.

She said most students are already registered under SHA through their parents or guardians, making it necessary to ensure the health facilities they rely on can offer services under the scheme.

She spoke on Saturday during the prize-giving ceremony at Kerugoya Boys High School in Kirinyaga county.

She said accrediting school-linked clinics will allow learners to receive treatment promptly whenever they fall ill without having to seek services elsewhere.

"When they go to any facility, they are supposed to be treated, but the facility must be accredited. We want to help schools have their clinics accredited to SHA so that students can receive seamless treatment while they are in school," Muthoni said.

She said strengthening school health services is part of the government's broader efforts to improve access to affordable healthcare while reducing the financial burden on families.

The PS urged Kenyans who are yet to register for SHA to do so, saying registration is free and guarantees access to essential healthcare services.

She encouraged those already registered to regularly remit their contributions to avoid challenges when referred from primary healthcare facilities to higher-level hospitals for specialised treatment.

“Registration is free and treatment at primary healthcare facilities is also free. Once you are registered, ensure you pay your contributions so that if you are referred to higher-level hospitals, you can receive treatment without challenges," the PS said.

She warned health facilities against charging patients for services covered under SHA, saying the ministry will continue monitoring compliance to ensure Kenyans benefit fully from the universal healthcare programme.

The PS raised concern over increasing cases of drug and substance abuse among learners, describing the vice as a growing threat that requires joint action by parents, teachers and government agencies.

She said the Ministry of Health will partner with the Education ministry to sensitise schools on emerging narcotic products, noting that traffickers are increasingly disguising drugs as everyday items such as pens, lipsticks and perfume bottles, making them difficult for parents and teachers to detect.

"Many parents and teachers are unaware of these disguises, making it easier for the substances to find their way into our schools," she said.

Muthoni urged parents, teachers and communities to remain vigilant and work together to protect learners from drug abuse, noting that the government has already classified the problem as a national security concern.

She also appealed to schools to prioritise hygiene and public health measures to reduce the spread of preventable illnesses among learners.

The PS said proper food handling, hand-washing, environmental cleanliness and improved sanitation remain critical in keeping learners healthy and reducing absenteeism caused by avoidable diseases.

Muthoni observed that hygiene practices adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic have gradually declined, urging Kenyans to revive simple preventive measures such as frequent hand-washing.

"I call upon Kenyans to wash your hands again and again. Good personal hygiene, environmental hygiene, water and sanitation remain the most effective ways of preventing many illnesses in our homes and schools," she said.

She cautioned against self-medication, warning that the widespread habit of purchasing antibiotics without medical prescriptions is contributing to antimicrobial resistance and making treatment of infections increasingly difficult.

The PS advised Kenyans to seek medical attention whenever they fall ill instead of relying on over-the-counter medication, saying early diagnosis by qualified health workers improves treatment outcomes while helping prevent serious complications.