Uhuru launches NHIF medical cover for civil servants, security officers

NAIROBI: Civil servants and members of the disciplined forces will now enjoy enhanced medical benefits under a new scheme by the National Hospital insurance Fund (NHIF).

The scheme targeting over 250,000 civil servants and their families was launched Wednesday by President Uhuru Kenyatta, in what could be a sweetener for the two cadres of Kenyans who have often been up in arms over the quality of services offered by the NHIF, despite the billions collected from monthly contributions

The President announced that the Government has sunk Sh360 million in the scheme, which could see soldiers in conflict-prone areas airlifted for emergency treatment and civil servants and their families enjoy better health care.

"This is a crucial service, especially for our security officers, who put themselves on the front line against our enemies to ensure Kenyans are safe wherever they are. I note that the civil servants and members of the disciplined forces will now be able to call for emergency rescue services for evacuation in case of unexpected injuries or illness. This will greatly enhance dedication to duty," the President said.

Although NHIF has been in existence for 66 years, premium health services have often been out of reach of many Kenyans. This has often compromised the quality of health care accessed by ordinary Kenyans, who are either ignorant of the services or cannot afford the rates.

Three years ago however, NHIF introduced a cover for civil servants and disciplined forces, which provided them with services that are normally not enjoyed by general subscribers, including the establishment of civil servant clinics. NHIF also undertook to remit advance capitulation funds to medical providers to enable the two categories of workers access urgent medical care.

The latest initiative is a partnership involving the African Medical Research Foundation and the Kenya Red Cross, which will provide ambulance and air services to civil servants and their families, especially those in far flung areas.

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"The availability of modern ambulances equipped with the latest medical aids and technology and air rescue services will certainly enable our medical staff get to sick public servants quicker and treat the victims more effectively. These enhanced benefits will ensure the civil servants and our disciplined forces receive appropriate medical care whenever it is required," said Health Cabinet Secretary James Macharia during the launch.

President Kenyatta called for more reforms at NHIF to raise trust in the fund among ordinary Kenyans.

"I call upon NHIF to take up its crucial role in this agenda by building general public trust and confidence in line with the current laws. This calls for efficiency in its operations, reduced bureaucracy and enhanced performance to meet the expectations of Kenyans," said the President.