The World Medical Association (WMA) has joined forces with the Kenya Medical Association (KMA) and the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society (KOGS) in urging Kenyan authorities to prioritize safety in maternal health surgical care. The call comes amid growing concerns over the performance of complex procedures, such as Cesarean sections (C-sections), by unqualified healthcare workers.
The WMA has issued a stern warning that allowing unqualified individuals to perform intricate obstetric surgeries could lead to increased maternal and neonatal mortality rates. They stress that only fully trained and accredited specialists should handle these critical operations to ensure the highest standards of safety and care.
“Compromising these critical standards endangers lives, threatens maternal and neonatal health, and risks undoing hard-earned progress in patient safety,” the WMA stated. They further emphasized that maternal and neonatal health are integral components of public health, and any actions that undermine their safety could have far-reaching consequences.
Global trends indicate a steady increase in Cesarean section rates over the past few decades. Research shows that between 1990 and 2014, the global average C-section rate rose from 6.7% to 19.1%. While these procedures are often life-saving, concerns have emerged regarding the qualifications of those performing them.
In Kenya, many rural and underserved areas face shortages of trained obstetricians, leading to the delegation of surgical procedures to healthcare professionals who may lack the necessary expertise. The WMA warns that such a practice contradicts the fundamental medical principle of “Primum non nocere” (first, do no harm).
Expanding the responsibilities of clinical officers and other healthcare workers without a well-structured, evidence-based framework could result in unnecessary complications, putting mothers and newborns at serious risk. The WMA insists that any expansion of roles in maternal healthcare must be accompanied by rigorous training, regulatory oversight, and continuous professional development to ensure patient safety.
The WMA has called upon the Kenyan Ministry of Health, Parliament, and other relevant authorities to implement policies that protect maternal health by maintaining high medical standards. They urge decision-makers to resist political or financial pressures that could lead to relaxed regulations.
“It is essential that we work together to ensure that healthcare in Kenya is driven by the highest standards of safety, competency, and professionalism,” the WMA emphasized.
To strengthen maternal healthcare, the WMA suggests significant investment in specialized medical training, improved regulatory frameworks, and policies that prioritize patient safety. They argue that the long-term benefits of maintaining high standards in maternal surgical care far outweigh any short-term gains from expanding surgical privileges to underqualified individuals.
As Kenya continues to advance its healthcare system, the protection of mothers and newborns must remain a top priority. Ensuring that only trained and certified specialists perform critical surgical procedures will help prevent avoidable complications and enhance overall maternal health outcomes in the country.
