Civil servants' medical scheme extended to November 21 after strike threat

The government has extended medical coverage for all civil servants until November 21, 2024, offering temporary relief amid the strike threat in healthcare services. The extension follows the expiration of the Comprehensive Medical Insurance Scheme (CMIS) on September 30, 2024.

The CMIS covers employees in National Government Ministries and State Departments, officers seconded to County Governments, and staff of the National Youth Service (NYS).

In a notice on Wednesday, Public Service Principal Secretary Amos Gathecha confirmed the extension, stating that it would ensure continued healthcare coverage for civil servants and facilitate a smooth transition to the next phase of the scheme.

“Following the lapse of the extension of the Civil Servants Medical Insurance Scheme on September 30, 2024, the State Department for Public Service in consultation with Social Health Authority (SHA) has agreed to extend the contract up to November 21, 2024. This will enable seamless transition and effective service delivery to the Scheme beneficiaries," Gathecha said.

The PS further said the Social Health Authority has instructed healthcare facilities under the scheme to ensure all beneficiaries have immediate access to medical services.

He noted that the government is also finalising mechanisms to ensure continuous coverage after the new deadline.

“The purpose of this letter, therefore, is to inform you of the continued provision of medical insurance cover for Civil Servants until the lapse of the extension on November 21, 2024. Please also note that appropriate mechanisms for continued medical provision upon the lapse of this extension period are being finalised,” Gathecha added.

Civil servant unions had earlier this week, criticised the Social Health Authority’s (SHA) transition process, accusing it of reducing benefits, increasing deductions, and jeopardising employees' jobs.

They had issued a 14-day ultimatum, warning of a strike if their concerns were not addressed.

In a joint statement, union leaders said, "We call upon the National and County governments to urgently address these issues and ensure that civil servants are not left without proper healthcare coverage. Our members cannot continue to face increased deductions for diminished healthcare services."

“Should these concerns remain unaddressed within the next 14 days starting today all the unions undersigned will proceed to an industrial action.”

Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atellah has echoed the unions' concerns, noting that the extension does not resolve the underlying issues facing civil servants.

Atellah noted that while the extension offers short-term relief, it falls short of addressing the broader healthcare gaps and uncertainties affecting public servants and Kenyans at large.

He called on the State Department for Public Service and the SHA to engage in meaningful dialogue with the unions to find lasting solutions.

“The lack of clear long-term plans leaves workers vulnerable to further disruptions, and we remain firm in demanding a comprehensive healthcare system that truly serves public sector workers beyond this extension. This fight is far from over,” he said.