The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers threatens impeachment of health officials for delaying Universal Health Coverage rollout. They allege incompetence and corruption within the Ministry of Health and the Social Health Authority. Union leaders demand accountability for denying Kenyans their healthcare rights and seek support from Parliament to address these issues immediately.
The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has issued a warning to impeach top officials of the Ministry of Health and the Social Health Authority (SHA) for obstructing the full implementation of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The union alleges that cartels within these entities are prioritizing personal financial interests over the welfare of Kenyans, necessitating decisive action against their leadership.
KUCO National Chairman Patterson Wachira announced that the union had gathered over 1,000 signatures in support of a motion to censure SHA Chairman Dr. Abdi Mohamed and Acting CEO Robert Ingasira due to perceived incompetence. He indicated intentions to pursue similar actions against senior officials in the Ministry, including Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa.
During a press briefing at the 16th Annual Ophthalmic Clinical Officers Conference in Malindi, Wachira appealed to Members of Parliament to support the censure motion. He emphasized that these officials have deprived Kenyans of their right to health as outlined in Article 43 of the Kenyan Constitution, warning that if action is not taken, further measures, including the collection of signatures for impeachment, would follow.
The union has been on strike for over two weeks, demanding the implementation of a previously agreed return-to-work formula and the inclusion of clinical officers in SHA. Wachira outlined several grounds for potential impeachment, including discrimination against clinical officers and denial of necessary healthcare services for Kenyans, asserting that accountability is essential for leadership in the health sector.
He insisted that the current leadership’s failures necessitate action, as it is a citizen’s right to demand competent service from public officials. Furthermore, Wachira expressed concerns about the influence of medical officers in the decision-making process, suggesting that professional biases disadvantage other health cadres, such as clinical officers. Notable figures present at the conference included Mr. Moses Konde Matole and Mr. George Ohito, alongside local eye care professionals.
The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers has expressed serious concerns regarding the obstruction to Universal Health Coverage implementation by officials in the Ministry of Health and the Social Health Authority. Through a censure motion, the union seeks to hold accountable the leadership responsible for failing to meet Kenyan citizens’ health needs. Additionally, they plan to pursue impeachment if necessary to ensure competent governance, particularly highlighting the need to rectify biases within the health sector.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
