MEDICS CALL FOR STRIKE OVER PROPOSED NHIF DEDUCTIONS
Written by Whitney Akunga on June 30, 2023
The Kenya union of clinical officers has criticized the national hospital insurance fund, NHIF, for making an unanimous decision to increase monthly contributions accusing the fund of failing to conduct public participation.
Speaking on 29th June in Nakuru, Dr. George Gibore said that the healthcare workers were to be absorbed instead of being dismissed because they are of great importance.
“Those clinical officers and nurses employed by the facility account for more than 50% of health workers giving services. The moment they are dismissed, what will happen to the services?” he asked.
The health care workers union now wants NHIF to withdraw the proposed increments and address corruption scandals and poor service delivery bedeviling the national health insurer. The union also faulted the decision by Nakuru county to lay off over 500 health care workers, saying the move will affect healthcare delivery in the county.
“This is our demand that the NHIF conducts public participation forum to agree on the Kenyan on how to enhance contribution with the assurance of the Kenyan getting quality of the contributed money,” added Dr. Gibore.
The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers has threatened to down their tools in a fortnight if their demands are not met as from July 14th 2023.