The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers is threatening to impeach health officials due to delays in Universal Health Coverage rollout, attributing the issue to corruption. National Chairman Patterson Wachira has filed a censure motion against SHA leaders and calls for support from Parliament. If grievances remain unaddressed, more actions, including impeachment of senior officials, will be pursued.
The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has announced its intention to initiate impeachment proceedings against senior officials at the Ministry of Health and the Social Health Authority (SHA) due to perceived obstacles in the complete implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The union accuses these officials of fostering a negative environment, allegedly influenced by corrupt cartels seeking personal financial gain, which directly affects the health provision to Kenyans.
National Chairman of KUCO, Patterson Wachira, has revealed that the union has filed a motion of censure against SHA chairman Dr. Abdi Mohamed and Acting CEO Robert Ingasira, citing their incompetence, with over 1,000 signatures from the public supporting this action. He indicated similar motions will soon target key figures in the Ministry of Health, including the Cabinet Secretary.
Wachira urged Members of Parliament from both chambers to support the censure of SHA leadership, highlighting a violation of Kenyans’ health rights as per Article 43 of the Kenyan Constitution. He emphasized that if necessary reforms within the health sector were not enacted soon, the union would pursue the impeachment of several senior health officials, including Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa and Health Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth.
During his remarks at the 16th Annual Ophthalmic Clinical Officers Conference in Malindi, Wachira noted that clinical officers have been on strike for over two weeks, advocating for the implementation of a return-to-work formula established last year alongside their inclusion in SHA. He vowed to escalate their actions if their grievances remain unaddressed.
Wachira specified four impeachment grounds: discrimination against clinical officers, denial of access to health services for Kenyans, unlawful prohibition of clinical officers from providing certain medical services, and breaches of leadership principles outlined in the Constitution. He insisted that these actions are crucial to ensuring accountability among those in office.
Wachira criticized the current SHA structure, asserting that it could surpass the previous National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) if not compromised by the same corrupt influences. He claimed there exists pronounced professional bias favoring medical officers over clinical officers due to personnel in influential decision-making positions.
Other notable attendees at the conference included Mr. Moses Konde Matole, President of the Kenya Clinical Officers Association, Mr. George Ohito, Chairman of the Ophthalmic Clinical Officers Association, and Mr. Geoffrey Anaya, Kilifi County Eye Care Coordinator.
In conclusion, the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers stands firm in its commitment to pursue major leadership changes within the Ministry of Health and the Social Health Authority due to operational failures that hinder the rollout of Universal Health Coverage. With substantial public backing, the union’s actions reflect a proactive stance for accountability and improved healthcare access for Kenyans. Their emphasis on legal rights underscores the critical need for effective governance in the health sector.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
