By Mariam Nyanguka
The County Government of Siaya has intensified efforts to strengthen healthcare services for its employees by initiating the renewal process for its Group Medical Insurance Scheme with Britam Insurance.
The engagement, chaired by the Ag. County Secretary, Ms. Elizabeth Adongo, brought together County Government officials and representatives from Britam Insurance to review the current medical insurance contract, assess service delivery, and develop a framework for negotiating an improved medical cover before the current contract expires on 31st July 2026.
The meeting underscored the County's commitment to ensuring employees continue accessing quality, affordable and uninterrupted healthcare services through a comprehensive medical insurance package.
A key resolution of the meeting was the collection of employee feedback through structured surveys to evaluate the accessibility, quality and efficiency of healthcare services offered under the current scheme. The findings will guide negotiations and inform improvements to the next medical insurance contract.
The County and Britam also agreed to establish negotiation teams that will deliberate on key issues including the provider network, service delivery standards, contract implementation, escalation procedures and other areas requiring mutual agreement before renewal.
To improve awareness and utilization of the medical scheme, Britam committed to conducting regular staff sensitization sessions covering available medical benefits, claims procedures, access to healthcare facilities and new services introduced under the scheme.
The County further requested Britam to consider paneling County Government health facilities under the insurance scheme to enable employees to conveniently access medical services within county hospitals. Britam acknowledged the proposal and committed to undertake an internal review before providing formal feedback.
During the meeting, Britam highlighted several value-added services available to members, including chronic disease management, mental wellness support, pharmacy fast-track services, prescription drug delivery, telehealth consultations, annual wellness check-ups and emergency medical evacuation.
The meeting also resolved that regular joint service performance reports will be prepared to monitor service utilization, claims trends, customer feedback and overall performance of the scheme, promoting accountability and continuous improvement.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively to conclude the renewal process within the agreed timelines, ensuring employees continue to receive quality healthcare services under an enhanced medical insurance scheme.
Also present included Chief Officers Dr. Omondi Owino ( Health and Sanitation), Hon. Walter Okelo ( Governance and Administration) and Director Governance Mr. George Okello.