Doctors and civil servants have issued a protest notice for March 18, demanding urgent government action on the stalled Social Health Authority (SHA) cover.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and the Union of Kenya Civil Servants (UKCS) accuse the government of deducting healthcare funds but failing to remit them.
This, they said has left them stranded without medical cover and access to healthcare services.
Speaking in Nairobi KMPDU Secretary General Dr Davji Atellah condemned the government’s failure to act and expressed frustration.
“Public servants, including doctors, have been enjoying comprehensive medical cover for years. But after SHA replaced NHIF, this cover disappeared. This was not a privilege,” Attellah said.
Adding that, “It was funded by deductions from our salaries. Now, despite paying the 2.75 per cent statutory deduction, many of us cannot access healthcare.”
Atellah explained that before SHA replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), civil servants had uninterrupted, comprehensive medical cover.
“Our members are being detained in hospitals because their medical cover is inactive. Some have had to fundraise to pay for urgent procedures. The government deducts money but does not remit it, leaving us without healthcare,” said Dr Dennis Miskellah, KMPDU’s Deputy Secretary General.
KMPDU National Deputy Chair Dr Mundia Kahura warned of further action if the issue is not addressed.
“The government must remit our deductions. If they don’t, we will not only demonstrate but also go on strike. Public offices, including Huduma Centres, will shut down. We must choose between working while unappreciated or fighting for our rights in the streets.”
Miskellah underscored the financial burden, noting that doctors pay up to Sh9,000 monthly for healthcare, yet their cover remains inactive.
According to the union, at least 40 counties have been deducting funds but failing to remit them. Kilifi, Nairobi and Siaya counties are already experiencing doctor strikes, with Migori set to join.
The planned protest will start at Kenyatta National Hospital and proceed to SHA offices, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Public Service and the Treasury.
KMPDU and UKCS insist the government must act immediately to resolve the crisis or face a total civil service shutdown calling on affected workers to join the protests.
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