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Doctors issue one-month strike notice over medical allowances

Striking Kenyan doctors shout slogans and hold placards outside a Nairobi court, January 26, 2017, while waiting for their union officials to come out. (Photo: AFP)

By Lucy Mumbi | Monday, January 29, 2024

Doctors have issued a month's notice for a nationwide strike as part of efforts to push the government to reinstate their medical allowances.

Under the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), they say they want an enhanced medical cover for civil servants under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which is set to replace the repealed NHIF.

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In a petition to the Ministry of Health, the medics said the cover under the NHIF was cancelled yet it was their best option.

KMPDU Deputy Secretary-General Dennis Miskellah said health workers now have to beg for treatment yet they previously could access all services at all facilities in the country.

"Why scrap it off? Now doctors have to beg to be treated. Include this in the SHIF or face a national strike. Either give us a better cover or we will not offer the services we cannot afford to Kenyans," Miskellah said. "If I, a doctor, can't get treatment whenever I am unwell, how do you expect me to treat my patients?" We want our medical allowance back if they cannot give us enhanced cover."

On Monday, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha hinted that Kenyans could start paying for the SHIF in two weeks, after the Court of Appeal lifted orders suspending its rollout.

Speaking in Kapsowar, Elgeyo Marakwet County, CS Nakhumicha said the SHIF would significantly lower the cost of healthcare for millions of poor Kenyans.

"I am happy that the courts have allowed us to continue with the implementation of this programme. We are on course to deliver what we promised to Kenyans," she said. "The President promised to lower contributions from Sh500 to Sh300 and we are ready to implement this. Within the next two to three weeks, Kenyans will start making their contributions to this fund."

Nakhumicha also said the new programme will cater for the high cost of treating illnesses such as cancer, hypertension, and diabetes - a "godsend" for the many Kenyans who cannot afford healthcare.

"The Constitution guarantees good health to every Kenyan but most Kenyans have been burned by these diseases. Every year, the government spends over Sh30 billion on treatment and managing these conditions. These monies can be reallocated to create employment through the affordable housing programme and other projects," she said.

Accusing "cartels" of sponsoring cases in court against the SHIF, President William Ruto has repeatedly said his government will not stop its rollout.

"We are not going to accept blackmail. Those sponsoring cases against UHC are beneficiaries of the NHIF," he said.