Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has voiced his support for the formation of a health risk commission to oversee the human resource challenges currently facing the health sector.
Speaking during a consultative forum between workers’ unions and the National Health Insurance Fund in Kisumu, Atwoli pointed out that counties had so far proved their inability to manage health workers’ affairs, prompting intermittent strikes that hamper service delivery to the people.
The sentiments come amidst a brewing war between the council of governors and the national government, with the CoG fighting to retain autonomy of the health function, arguing that counties are operating within the confines of the constitution in running their respective affairs in the health sector.
On his part, NHIF board chairperson Michael Kamau assured the workers of the government’s commitment to actualize the universal health coverage program, urging them to throw their support behind the NHIF Act (Amendments) regulations.
Under the new regulations, salaried workers will contribute a standard rate of 2.75 percent of the gross monthly salary towards the NHIF cover.
On the other hand a self-employed person will be expected to make a special contribution of 2.75 percent of the declared or assessed gross monthly income, subject to a minimum of Ksh.300.
