The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers threatens to impeach health officials for hindering Universal Health Coverage. They blame alleged corruption within the Ministry of Health and have initiated a censure motion against key leaders. With ongoing strikes to demand improved policies, the union outlines clear grounds for potential impeachment of senior officials if reforms are not enacted to ensure proper health service delivery.
The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has threatened to instigate impeachment proceedings against senior officials within the Ministry of Health and the Social Health Authority (SHA) due to allegations of hindering the complete implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The union accused entrenched cartels within these entities of prioritizing personal financial interests over the health of Kenyans, necessitating significant action against their leadership.
Patterson Wachira, the National Chairman of KUCO, announced that the union has formally submitted a censure motion against SHA’s Chairman Dr. Abdi Mohamed and Acting CEO Robert Ingasira, citing incompetence. This petition garnered 1,000 signatures from citizens, and similar action is expected against senior ministry officials, including the Cabinet Secretary. Wachira urged Parliament members to support this censure due to harmful exclusions affecting the right to health.
Wachira specifically warned of potential impeachment from health officials, including Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa and the ministry’s Principal Secretaries, if immediate improvements are not made in the sector. Notably, he made this address during the 16th Annual Ophthalmic Clinical Officers Conference held in Malindi.
The union’s members have been on strike for over two weeks, advocating for the implementation of last year’s return-to-work agreement and demanding the inclusion of clinical officers in SHA. With further actions anticipated, the union aims to compel those in power to address their grievances adequately, reiterating their commitment to public health rights.
Wachira outlined four specific impeachment grounds: discriminatory practices against clinical officers, obstruction of patient access to health services, unlawful denial of clinical officers’ rights to pre-authorize services, and violations of constitutional leadership principles and responsibilities. He emphasized that these actions stem not from malice but from a shared obligation to ensure that public servants fulfill their responsibilities in accordance with the law.
Wachira expressed concern that the SHA could potentially outperform the previous National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) had it not been influenced by the same corrupt practices. He alleged that there exists a systemic professional bias favoring medical officers at the expense of other health cadre, further complicating health delivery.
The conference also saw the presence of significant figures, including Mr. Moses Konde Matole, President of the Kenya Clinical Officers Association, and Mr. George Ohito, Chairman of the Ophthalmic Clinical Officers Association, amongst others.
In summary, the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers is advocating for significant reforms within the Ministry of Health and the Social Health Authority, driven by the need for immediate action to ensure compliance with health standards and the constitutional rights of citizens. The potential for impeachment highlights the urgency of addressing the perceived incompetence and corruption hindering health services in Kenya. The union’s commitment to collective action reflects a broader demand for accountability in public health.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
