KMPDU opposes President Ruto's proposed NHIF rates

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) is against as section of amendments proposed to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) regulations mooted by President William Ruto.

This is after President Ruto, during the Labour Day celebrations, announced that once the changes are approved, salaried persons will be obligated to contribute 2.75 percent of their gross monthly salaries to the fund.

KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah, in a statement to newsrooms, noted that the State cannot claim to increase NHIF funding by adding on to the premiums when the agency is already severely under-funded.

"The national and county governments have directed over Ksh.120 billion annually from NHIF to private insurance companies. This applies to Parliamentary Service Commission, State officers and all county governments who all have private insurances," he said.

"Civil servants' medical allowance was removed from payslip to cover NHIF comprehensive services. And now without a medical allowance or salary increases, we cannot subject ourselves to extractive action on workers' payslip."

Instead of increasing the deductions, Dr. Atellah went on, the State should work towards increasing the salaries of civil servants to assist them deal with the high cost of living.

His sentiments were shared by KMPDU chair Dr. Abi Mwachi who noted that increasing the premiums will make it more difficult for individuals and households to afford healthcare.

“Higher premiums mean that people are paying more out of their own pockets for healthcare, which can lead to fewer people seeking medical attention when they need it. This can result in delayed or inadequate treatment, which can lead to more serious health problems down the line," Dr. Mwachi said in a subsequent statement.

Increasing premiums can also lead to a shift in the burden of healthcare costs from the government to individuals and households while having significant implications for healthcare providers, according to the KMPDU Chair.

"Higher premiums might lead to decreased demand for healthcare services, which can result in lower revenues for providers," he said.