KUCO threatens impeachment of Ministry of Health officials due to obstructions in the UHC rollout. The union cites corruption and discrimination against clinical officers, calling for decisive actions against leadership in SHA and the ministry. Censure motions have been initiated, reflecting widespread public support for reform in the health sector.
The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has issued a warning regarding the potential impeachment of senior officials within the Ministry of Health and the Social Health Authority (SHA). This action arises from concerns that these entities are obstructing the complete implementation of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
KUCO blames the negative impact on public health in Kenya on alleged cartels operating within the Ministry of Health and SHA for personal gain. The union views decisive measures against the senior leadership of both organizations as essential to address these issues effectively.
National Chairman Patterson Wachira stated that KUCO has initiated a censure motion against SHA Chairman Dr. Abdi Mohamed and Acting CEO Robert Ingasira. This motion was supported by over 1,000 signatures from the public, and further motions against senior ministry officials, including the Cabinet Secretary, are forthcoming.
Wachira has called upon Members of Parliament to support the censure motion, highlighting that the current leadership has denied Kenyans their constitutional right to healthcare under Article 43 of the Constitution of Kenya. He warned that if the situation does not improve, he will pursue the impeachment of Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa and key ministry officials.
During his remarks at the 16th Annual Ophthalmic Clinical Officers Conference in Malindi, Wachira noted that the unionized clinical officers have been on strike for over two weeks. Their demands include implementing a previously agreed return-to-work formula and ensuring the inclusion of clinical officers in SHA.
KUCO plans further actions if their requests are ignored, including collecting signatures to push for the impeachment of health officials. Wachira identified several grounds for impeachment, including discrimination against clinical officers, denying public access to healthcare, and failing to uphold governance principles set out in the constitution.
He emphasized that these actions are rooted in the duty of Kenyans to ensure public officials fulfill their responsibilities effectively. Furthermore, he criticized the influence of corrupt practices and alleged bias favoring medical officers over clinical officers in decision-making roles within the health sector.
Prominent figures at the conference included the President of the Kenya Clinical Officers Association, Mr. Moses Konde Matole, and other key stakeholders within the healthcare community.
KUCO’s ongoing efforts highlight serious concerns regarding the management and effectiveness of health services in Kenya. Through direct actions, including censure motions and potential impeachment, the union aims to ensure that health officials fulfill their responsibilities to provide accessible healthcare as mandated by the constitution. The challenge remains in overcoming systemic issues prevalent within the Ministry of Health and SHA, including allegations of corruption and favoritism.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
