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Kenyan workers union opposed to a 500 percent increment of c

  1. Posted on Thursday 22 July 2010 - 09:50
    Abdilatif
    Image of Abdilatif
    Kenyan workers union opposed to a 500 percent increment of charges by the National Hospital Insurance Fund.

    The Central Organization of Trade Union (COTU) in Kenya stated on Wednesday that it is opposed to the proposed new charges by the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).

    COTU Secretary General, Francis Atwoli said the union was opposed to the charges in principal. He clarified that contrary to a perception created over it stand on the proposed new charges by the National Hospital Insurance Fund, the workers union is in principal opposed to the new charges.

    Atwoli accused the management of NHIF for failing to inform the workers about the proposed changes while in fact they were supposed to be privy to the discussion to increase the charges.

    “Whereas the as contributors, the Kenyan workers have every right to be privy to every detail pertaining this scheme, it is the prerogative of the entire board of NHIF to go out and explain what the scheme entails,” said Atwoli.

    Atwoli indicated that it will be inhuman for NHIF to demand close to 500 percent increment at a time when there is harsh economic realities coupled with high inflation and sky rocketing prices.

    He noted that Kenyan workers are among the heaviest taxed worldwide and any additional burden of tax on the meager pay will not be tolerate unless such a move is clear on the extra benefits worker will accrue.

    The workers union threatened to go to court if the NHIF goes ahead in the implementation of the proposed charges.


    The remark by the Workers union comes at a time when NHIF has announced a proposal which is aimed to subsidize health care for the poor.

    COTU will now join the ranks of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance which said the proposed increase will increase the cost of doing business in the country.

    In the new arrangement those earning more than Sh100, 000 will sh2, 000 per month, representing a 600 per cent increase. Those who earn less than Sh6, 000 will pay Sh150. currently remittance stand at a maximum of shs320.

    Ends

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