The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers is threatening impeachment of health officials over alleged obstruction of Universal Health Coverage. They blame corruption for Kenyans’ suffering and have submitted a censure motion against SHA leaders. The union is on strike, demanding accountability and the implementation of previously agreed-upon health service structures.
Recently, the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has signaled its intent to initiate impeachment proceedings against key officials at the Ministry of Health and the Social Health Authority (SHA). This action stems from allegations that these officials are obstructing the full rollout of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC), thus exacerbating the suffering of Kenyans due to cartels within the Ministry of Health and SHA that prioritize personal financial gains over public health.
KUCO’s National Chairman, Patterson Wachira, has announced that the union has submitted a censure motion against SHA Chairman Dr. Abdi Mohamed and Acting CEO Robert Ingasira, citing their incompetence after gathering over 1,000 signatures from the public. The union intends to pursue similar motions against other high-ranking officials, including the Cabinet Secretary, should they fail to rectify ongoing health sector issues.
During a press briefing held at a Malindi hotel, Wachira urged Members of Parliament from both the National Assembly and Senate to support the censure of SHA leadership for denying Kenyans their constitutional health rights as outlined in Article 43 of the Kenyan Constitution. He indicated that if the situation does not improve, the union will push for the impeachment of Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, the Principal Secretaries, and Health Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth.
The clinical officers’ union is currently striking to demand the implementation of a return-to-work formula agreed upon in the previous year and the inclusion of clinical officers within SHA. The union has expressed its commitment to pursuing additional measures to compel the authorities to address their concerns.
Wachira has articulated specific grounds for potential impeachment, including discrimination against the clinical officers who serve the public, unlawful denial of clinical officers’ authority to pre-authorize and deliver health services, and violations of leadership principles as enumerated in Chapter Six of the Constitution.
It was emphasized that the pursuit of these actions is driven by a commitment to ensure good governance and accountability in public health service provision, rather than personal animosity towards the officials involved. Wachira noted the potential for SHA to excel beyond the now-defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund had it not been compromised by the same troubling cartels.
Additionally, the conference welcomed prominent individuals such as Mr. Moses Konde Matole, the President of the Kenya Clinical Officers Association, Mr. George Ohito, the Chairman of the Ophthalmic Clinical Officers Association, and Mr. Geoffrey Anaya, the Kilifi County Eye Care Coordinator, among others.
In summary, the KUCO’s threat of impeachment against senior health officials stems from allegations of obstruction related to the Universal Health Coverage rollout. The union emphasizes the necessity for accountability in health service delivery, citing multiple grounds for their actions. Their ongoing strike reflects broader demands for systemic improvements and the protection of health professionals’ roles in service provision. The outcome of these developments may significantly impact public health in Kenya.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
