Public sector unions representing workers across various fields have announced the establishment of a public officers’ medical scheme fund aimed at ensuring continuity of comprehensive medical insurance for over six million public servants and their dependents.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the unions detailed the events leading to this landmark agreement. On October 8, 2024, the unions issued a joint strike notice demanding, among other things, the provision of a comprehensive medical insurance scheme for public servants. This demand followed the lapse of the civil servants’ medical insurance scheme, as outlined in the Social Health Authority (SHA) transition clause 5.
In response, the State Department of Public Services and SHA extended the existing medical cover until November 21, 2024, to allow room for negotiations. A task force comprising representatives from the Head of Public Service, Treasury, Ministry of Public Service, Ministry of Health, the Office of the Attorney General, and public sector unions was formed to develop a long-term solution to the impasse.
The unions emphasized that public servants had forfeited their medical allowances in 2011 to enable the government to establish a pooled fund providing them with superior medical coverage beyond the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) contributions. This arrangement, they said, has provided peace of mind to public servants as they serve the nation.
After extensive negotiations, the parties agreed to establish a Public Officers’ Medical Scheme Fund. The agreement was signed on October 23, 2024, averting the planned industrial action and guaranteeing the continuity of comprehensive medical insurance coverage beyond November 21, 2024.
The unions assured members that the new medical scheme would retain the same benefits package previously enjoyed under the civil servants’ medical insurance scheme. The scheme will cover all public servants without exception and will no longer involve private insurers. Instead, the fund will be managed by the SHA and financed through the pooled medical allowances forfeited by public servants, rather than contributions from the general public to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
To further enhance accountability and inclusivity, the joint government-union task force has drafted regulations for the scheme. These draft regulations have been released by the Treasury for public participation, and the unions are urging public servants and their dependents to review the document and provide feedback through their respective union.
The unions emphasized the importance of public participation in the finalization of the scheme, urging all public servants to interact with the proposed regulations and share their feedback promptly.
“This agreement not only ensures continuity but also safeguards the hard-earned rights of public servants to quality healthcare. It’s a victory for every public servant and their families,” said Dr. Davji Bhimji Atellah, Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union, speaking on behalf of all unions.
The press conference was attended by leaders from the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers, Kenya National Union of Nurses, Kenya Environmental and Public Health Practitioners Union, and several others, underscoring the collective effort behind this achievement.
This agreement marks a significant step in protecting public servants’ health rights and reinforcing their contributions to the country. The unions called for swift action by stakeholders to implement the scheme and ensure its sustainability