1.13 Health Services
1.13.1 Key Services Offered at the Department of Health Services
The Department of Health Services offers the following key services:
- Medical Consultation: Medical consultation, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care provided by qualified healthcare practitioners.
- Laboratory Services: A wide range of laboratory tests to support diagnosis and patient management.
iii. Pharmacy Services: The pharmacy is adequately stocked with a variety of essential medicines and medical products for the treatment of common illnesses.
- Referral Services: Students requiring specialized healthcare services that are not available at the Department of Health Services are referred to Embu Level 5 Hospital or other appropriate healthcare facilities.
- Health Education: Health education and promotion are provided through the University website, student emails, health awareness campaigns, and individual guidance and counselling sessions.
Note:
All health matters relating to students and staff are treated with the utmost confidentiality. Students are therefore encouraged to seek medical attention promptly whenever the need arises.
1.13.2 Operating Hours
The Department of Health Services operates during the following hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Weekends and Public Holidays: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Students requiring medical attention outside the stipulated operating hours should contact the University Hostel Attendant on duty, who will notify the clinician on call to provide the necessary medical assistance.
1.13.3 Outpatient Services
The Department of Health Services provides outpatient medical services to registered students at no additional cost under the University's medical scheme.
Students who require healthcare services that are not available at the Department are referred to Embu Level 5 Hospital or another appropriate healthcare facility.
Parents or guardians shall be responsible for meeting the costs of specialized healthcare services not covered by the University's medical scheme, including, but not limited to, optical services, specialized dental procedures, radiology services, and specialized laboratory investigations.
1.13.4 Inpatient Services
Students who require inpatient care are promptly referred to Embu Level 5 Hospital or another appropriate healthcare facility for admission.
The student's parent(s) or guardian(s) shall be informed of the student's condition as soon as reasonably practicable and shall be responsible for meeting the costs of inpatient care and any related expenses not covered by the student's medical insurance.
Parents or guardians who wish to transfer the student to a healthcare facility of their choice may do so after informing the Head, Health Services and the Dean of Students.
1.13.5 Medical Leave
Students who require time away from the University on medical grounds or who wish to seek medical attention from a hospital or healthcare provider of their choice shall obtain a medical leave authorization from the Department of Health Services before leaving the University, except in emergency situations.
The medical leave authorization enables the University to maintain accurate medical records, provide appropriate support to the student, monitor the student's well-being, and facilitate a smooth return to academic activities. Upon resuming their studies, students shall report to the Department of Health Services and present relevant medical documentation, including a medical report, treatment notes, or discharge summary, for review and clearance where applicable.
Note:
Students are strongly encouraged to maintain a valid Social Health Authority (SHA) cover throughout their period of study. The SHA cover complements the healthcare services provided by the University by assisting with the cost of services not available at the Department of Health Services, including specialized radiology services, advanced laboratory investigations, specialist consultations, and inpatient care where applicable.