The Kenyan healthcare system faces a potential crisis as clinical officers protest their exclusion from the Social Health Authority (SHA) framework. On Monday, the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) led peaceful demonstrations in Nairobi, calling attention to alleged systemic discrimination against clinical officers and their facilities under the SHA.
The demonstrations began at Green Park Terminus, where KUCO officials, alongside their members, marched to Afya House and the SHA headquarters, bearing placards and chanting for equal rights. Their grievances centered on the exclusion of over 1,000 clinical officer-owned health facilities from contracts under SHA. These facilities had previously been accredited under the now-repealed National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), but the transition to SHA has seemingly sidelined them.
One KUCO official lamented the perceived discrimination, stating, “We are being sidelined despite playing a critical role in delivering healthcare services to Kenyans.”
Adding to the union’s frustrations is a recent SHA directive reserving the right to fill pre-authorization forms for patients to officials registered under the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC). KUCO contends that this decision undermines the authority of clinical officers and their ability to effectively serve patients.
Criticism of SHA Policies
The demonstrators also criticized SHA’s requirement that patients begin their care journey at Level 2 or Level 3 facilities before being referred to higher-level hospitals. KUCO argues that this policy diminishes the capacity of clinical officer-led facilities to provide comprehensive care, making the healthcare system less inclusive.
“This framework discriminates against us and directly impacts patients’ access to healthcare,” a KUCO representative stated during the march. “Clinical officers have been a backbone of healthcare delivery in this country, particularly in underserved areas. Yet, we are being rendered invisible under this new system.”
The exclusion of clinical officers and their facilities is seen by KUCO as a significant threat to the success of universal health coverage (UHC). The union warned that unless their grievances are addressed, the dream of UHC will remain unattainable.
Call for Inclusivity
KUCO’s demands include the immediate reinstatement of clinical officer-owned facilities into SHA contracts and the restoration of their right to manage pre-authorization forms for patients. “We are calling for an inclusive healthcare system that recognizes all service providers equally,” the officials emphasized.
The protests culminated at the SHA headquarters, where KUCO presented its demands for equal treatment and inclusion. Union leaders warned that their members would not offer services under SHA until the discriminatory policies are rectified.
Impact on Healthcare Access
The growing rift between SHA and clinical officers highlights the broader challenges in transitioning from NHIF to SHA. Clinical officers, who have been instrumental in delivering healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved areas, argue that their exclusion compromises access to affordable and efficient care for many Kenyans.
“The SHA framework must ensure inclusivity and equity if it is to succeed,” KUCO officials noted. They stressed that clinical officers are often the first point of contact for patients in many regions and their continued sidelining could result in significant gaps in service delivery.
Government’s Next Steps
As tensions rise, the government faces mounting pressure to address the concerns of clinical officers and ensure a smooth transition to SHA. The protests underscore the importance of creating a healthcare framework that recognizes and integrates all stakeholders, particularly those who have long contributed to the country’s healthcare delivery.
The KUCO-led demonstrations serve as a warning that without urgent intervention, Kenya’s healthcare system risks being destabilized, with patients bearing the brunt of the fallout. With the union standing firm on its decision to boycott SHA, the government must act swiftly to prevent a full-blown healthcare crisis.
Ultimately, achieving universal health coverage in Kenya will require inclusivity, equity, and collaboration among all healthcare providers. For now, however, the standoff between KUCO and SHA remains unresolved, leaving the future of Kenya’s healthcare system in a precarious state.