The National Treasury and Economic Planning Department has unveiled a draft proposal to establish a Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund, designed to enhance healthcare coverage for civil servants. The proposed fund, detailed in the Public Finance Management (Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund) Regulations, 2024, seeks to provide an additional layer of health benefits on top of the existing coverage under the Social Health Insurance Act.
“The proposed Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund will finance the provision of a medical scheme for public officers in addition to the social health insurance benefit package provided for under the Social Health Insurance Act,” states the Treasury’s notice. This means that any remaining medical expenses, after using social health insurance, would be covered by the new fund, providing a more comprehensive safety net for government employees and their families.
This initiative builds upon the government’s long-standing Comprehensive Medical Insurance Scheme for Civil Servants & Disciplined Services, introduced in 2012 to cover a range of medical services. As the Treasury outlines, “the Scheme started with basic coverage of a principal member and three (3) dependents and was four years later enhanced to a principal member and six (6) dependents.” The proposed fund will ensure continued access to both outpatient and inpatient care, specialized services, and emergency treatment.
In a move to foster transparency, the National Treasury is inviting public consultation and feedback. “Comments, inputs, or memoranda may be forwarded to the Principal Secretary, National Treasury, by November 18, 2024,” the document notes, encouraging stakeholders to contribute. These submissions, which will become public record, can be sent via email or delivered to the Treasury’s office in Nairobi.
To facilitate more direct engagement, the Treasury has also scheduled in-person public consultations, allowing citizens and civil servants to discuss the proposed changes and offer feedback.
