Gov't dismisses claims civil servants locked out of healthcare services

The government has dismissed reports suggesting that civil servants will be locked out of medical services under the Social Health Authority (SHA) insurance programme, terming them “grossly inaccurate” and alarmist.

In a statement on Saturday, Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku said the claims risked causing unnecessary panic among civil servants and their families.

“We note with serious concern the misleading news reports claiming that civil servants will not have access to healthcare services through the Social Health Authority's health insurance program. These reports are grossly inaccurate and risk causing unnecessary alarm,” he said.

The CS maintained that civil servants will continue to access medical care in all public hospitals as well as accredited and contracted private and faith-based facilities across the country.

“That no civil servant or eligible dependent is required to pay cash at any contracted healthcare facility. Access to quality and seamless healthcare services remains guaranteed as it has been over the years,” he said.

He added that any facilities currently suspended over malpractice or failure to meet SHA contractual obligations are barred from serving all Kenyans, not just civil servants.

“The Ministry assures all civil servants and their dependents that their healthcare services remain uninterrupted and that their welfare is fully safeguarded,” Ruku stated.