In Summary
- Peter’s family is asking for financial help.
- He sustained severe injuries and was admitted to the ICU.
- The Edu Afya insurance scheme previously provided health coverage for public secondary school students.
The withdrawal of the Edu Afya insurance scheme has left many students in public secondary schools in the country struggling to access necessary medical care.
One such case is that of 19 year old Peter Njora Ndungoa a Form 4 student from Bingwa secondary school in Nanyuki, Laikipia County. Peter is currently fighting for his life in the ICU after a tragic road accident on 12th July 2024.
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Motorbike Accident
He was riding on a motorbike along Timau road-Mathangiro driven by his father from school when the incident occurred at around 6 pm.
“Mimi naitwa Mary Muthoni, mama yake Peter..babake amepata nafuu ako nyumbani baada ya ajali ya motorbike…lakini Peter mtoto wangu ako ICU na ni mwanafunzi wa form 4 naomba wellwishers wanisaidie…sijui nitafanya nini…nafanya kazi ya kibarua tu hapa Nanyuki,” Mary Muthoni Peter’s mother pleaded.
While his father was discharged from the hospital, Peter sustained severe head injuries and was admitted to the ICU at Nanyuki general Hospital.
Teacher’s Plea
The Edu Afya insurance scheme, which previously provided health coverage for public secondary school students, was a crucial safety net for families like Peter’s. Its withdrawal has left a significant gap, forcing schools and families to fundraise.
Peter’s teacher, Sifa Katami, shared the school’s efforts to assist the family.
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“As a school, we have been forced to fund raise from teachers and well-wishers to pay for the ICU bills, which amount to Ksh 23,000 per day…. As a teacher I have been pushed to ask for help,” Sifa said.
“The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) is only covering bed expenses, which cost Ksh 3,000 daily, leaving the family to shoulder the remaining costs. I sincerely plead with the government to bring back Edu Afya in schools,” She added.
In December 2023, the National Health Insurance Fund NHIF cut its four year contract with the Ministry of Education because of the Universal Health Insurance Act 2023 which took effect last year.
The medical insurance had previously covered emergency injuries, accidents, last respect, emergency drugs, first aid kits, and medical cover for students
For contributions to help offset Peter’s medical bills contact Peter’s mother Mary Muthoni through her Phone Number 0728727815.
