At least 20 counties have failed to sign contracts with the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) leaving thousands of county employees out of a medical insurance scheme.
While appearing before the Senate Health Committee, NHIF on Wednesday, December 9 Health CAS Mercy Mwangangi released a list of 20 counties that were yet to sign the agreement which also covers the cost for treatment of Covid-19 for civil servants.
The counties include; Nairobi, Meru, Nyeri, Narok, Migori, Siaya, Vihiga, Mandera, Turkana, Homa Bay, Busia, Laikipia.
Others are Nandi, Trans Nzoia, Samburu, West Pokot, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River and Uasin Gishu.
Council of Governors chairman Wycliffe Oparanya however defended some counties stating that they have private medical insurance covers.
He said Busia, Mandera and Laikipia Counties had signed medical insurance agreements with CIC insurance, Britam and Kenya Alliance respectively.
In November, the Acting Director-General of Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth explained that all public servants serving under the national government, including healthcare workers, are covered by NHIF.
“We have also had discussions with counties to come onboard under NHIF umbrella for insurance of county workers," added Amoth.
Healthcare workers are currently on strike demanding that the government provides insurance, demands that have intensified after the death of health workers due to Covid-19, with Dr. Mogusu’s demise sparking national outrage.
