Civil servants threaten to quit National Hospital Insurance Fund citing poor services

Civil servants are threatening to pull out of the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) over consistent disagreements with the management of the fund.

The Union of Kenya Civil Servants (UKCS) Secretary General Tom Odege yesterday said lack of drugs in hospitals, delayed payment of claims, unclear referral procedures and members' limited use of medical facilities have been a nightmare.

He also said deductions of rates based on the gross pay has heavily robbed workers pay slips and warned that civil servants will hit the streets to demand a comprehensive cover for all.

"We joined this scheme in 2012. At that time the Fund collected some Sh 4.1 billion annually to finance the scheme but members have continued to suffer in silence. Not any more," said Odege.

In an interview with The Standard on Saturday, Odege said the main concern has been inadequate facilities for workers to access.

"These facilities are largely public hospitals that are ill equipped for the scheme. No doctors and the services are pathetic," he said adding that dental and optic services have always been in short supply. 

Odege said the scheme is also rigid in terms of facilities use.

"If you have been assigned Kenyatta National Hospital for instance, the day you fall sick in your village you must travel back to KNH. Or visit any hospital and pay for the services. Come back and wait for claims one year later," he said.

Odege said the union will not renew its contract with NHIF unless biometric registration and smart card solutions are made available.

And with the new rates, UKCS now says NHIF must refund the already-deducted monies for all workers.

"We cannot allow further deductions for services we do not even know. Which benefits will workers get with the enhanced rates?" said Odege.

But NHIF Chief Executive Officer Simon ole Kirgotty dismissed the claims and said civil servants have always enjoyed the service.

"We have invited them for a meeting next week. Let them come we talk," said Kirgotty.

He said the issue of facilities will also be addressed as devolution picks up.

"Hospitals will get facelift and services will improve to accommodate many members," he said.

NHIF revised members contributions to a maximum of Sh1,700 for highest limits based on salary band. Most civil servants, Odege says, fall between the Sh1,000 and Sh1,700 bracket.