Workers demand NHIF probe report

Workers on Sunday renewed their fight against the new NHIF rates, demanding the release of results of investigations into a scandal that hit the health insurer.

Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) secretary-general Francis Atwoli said forensic experts and Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers should release their reports to enable contributors to know the state of affairs at the National Hospital Insurance Fund.

“They must provide a report on the findings of their investigations into the scandal,” said Mr Atwoli. He urged workers to reject the higher rates.

The unionist warned Medical Services minister Anyang’ Nyong’o against forcing Kenyans to pay the new rates.

“The minister has used the word ‘must’, which the government should not use on Kenyans,” he said.

He asked the minister to first consult with the stakeholders before implementing the new rates.

“The minister has refused to consult with the FKE (Federation of Kenya Employers) and Cotu. Both organisations have a stake in this issue. He should also consult with the common mwananchi because it’s their money that will be used in this scheme,” said the Cotu boss.

There was a need to improve NHIF, particularly in the wake of recent allegations of misappropriation of workers’ money through doubtful and non-existent medical facilities, he said.

According to the unionist, NHIF lacked capacity in terms of management and medical facilities across the country to be trusted with larger amounts of money.

“The ministry collects more than Sh3 billion a year. They have no capacity to handle the money and cannot, therefore, be trusted with more,” he said.

Under the proposed rates, the lowest paid worker earning Sh6,000 will contribute Sh150, while the highest paid employee earning Sh100,000 and above will part with Sh2,000 per month. (READ: We won’t remit new NHIF rates, employers vow)