Members of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) in Nairobi took to the streets to protest the lack of comprehensive coverage under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). Led by KMPDU Nairobi Branch secretary, Malindi Chao, the healthcare practitioners expressed their frustration over the fact that they have been contributing up to Ksh1,700 in monthly deductions from their payslips but are still not registered under any medical cover.
Chao appealed to the government to issue the medical officers with comprehensive coverage and clear all the payment arrears from previous months. The officials also indicated their efforts to reach the leaders in charge have been futile and have now turned to President William Ruto to ensure that all doctors have access to proper medical care.
“No Doctors Available: KMPDU Nairobi Branch Announces Health Facilities Shutdown”
In a statement issued on Sunday, February 12, KMPDU Nairobi branch announced that all county health facilities in the area would be without doctors available to attend to patients. The doctors are protesting over the lack of NHIF comprehensive insurance cover and have requested residents of Nairobi to seek services at the Kenyatta National Hospital.
“Doctors Demand Accountability from Leaders Responsible for Their Suffering”
The healthcare practitioners have presented a petition to the county assembly, demanding that the leaders responsible for their suffering be held accountable. KMPDU Nairobi Branch secretary, Malindi Chao, has expressed her frustration over the situation, stating that many doctors are unable to access the same care they provide due to the lack of proper medical coverage.
The KMPDU Nairobi Branch secretary has called upon President William Ruto to defend the doctors who are suffering due to the lack of comprehensive NHIF coverage. Chao has indicated that efforts to reach the leaders in charge have been futile and has pleaded with the President to ensure that all doctors have access to proper medical care.
“Governor Johnson Sakaja Responds to Doctors’ Protest Over NHIF Coverage”
Governor Johnson Sakaja has responded to the protest held by the members of KMPDU in Nairobi over the lack of comprehensive NHIF coverage. According to KMPDU Nairobi Branch secretary, Malindi Chao, Governor Sakaja stated that he did not have a deed of novation and therefore could not do anything about the matter. The healthcare practitioners have called upon the government to issue them with comprehensive coverage and clear all payment arrears from previous months.
