The government has extended the medical insurance scheme for civil servants. This comes after a section of public sector unions issued a 14-day strike notice.

Their concerns were transitioning from NHIF to SHA without the provision of a comprehensive cover, transitioning from NHIF to SHA without the transition of NHIF employees, and increased contributions to 2.75 per cent of gross salary without any improved benefits.

In a statement, the Ministry of Public Service extended the medical insurance scheme up to November 21, 2024.

“Following the lapse of the extension of the Civil Servants Medical Insurance Scheme on September 30, 2024, the State Department for Public Service, in consultation with the Social Health Authority (SHA), has agreed to extend the contract up to November 21, 2024. This will enable seamless transition and effective service delivery to the scheme beneficiaries,” the statement read.

SHA called on all the contracted service providers to ensure all beneficiaries of the scheme access the medical cover immediately.

The State Department for Public Service said it will ensure a seamless transition upon the expiry of this extension.

“The purpose of this letter, therefore, is to inform you of the continued provision of the medical insurance cover for civil servants until the lapse of the extension on November 21, 2024,” the statement reads.

“Please also note that appropriate mechanisms for continued medical provision upon the lapse of this extension period are being finalised.”

The comprehensive Medical Insurance Scheme for Civil Servants (CMIS) for the Financial Year (FY) 2023-24 was administered by the NHIF.

The contract was executed for a period of one year with effect from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and was extended for three months up to September 30, 2024.

The scheme covers national government employees in ministries and state departments, officers deemed seconded to the county governments, and staff of the National Youth Service (NYS).