Doctors have issued a threat to cease their medical services within a month, if the government does not reinstate their medical insurance.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists Dentists Union asserted in a statement on Wednesday that the proposed new fund would not provide the comprehensive services they require.
They further urged the government to establish an enhanced medical cover for civil servants within the recently introduced Social Health Insurance Fund.
The Secretary-General of KMPDU, Davji Atellah emphasized that the previously available enhanced medical cover, provided under the now-repealed National Health Insurance Fund, offered superior services.
Atellah expressed concern that the proposed Social Health Insurance Fund would make healthcare services unaffordable for a majority of Kenyans, including doctors who might struggle to access the services they themselves provide.
Atellah highlighted the potential denial of comprehensive medical coverage to many Kenyans despite their substantial contributions through a 2.75% gross salary deduction to the SHIF.
The union rejected what it deemed an attempt to compromise the medical cover of its members, stating that such a move would leave doctors and other healthcare workers unable to afford hospital services.
The union demands a comprehensive medical cover for its members and warns that failure to address this concern promptly and decisively will lead to an unprecedented and severe strike.
Atellah cautioned the government to prepare for what could be the most significant strike the country has ever faced.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health is actively soliciting input from Kenyans regarding the new Social Health Insurance Act of 2023.
