Clinical officers threaten to strike over exclusion from SHA

KUCO Secretary-General George Gibore. [File, Standard]

The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has threatened to strike if they are not included in the new Social Health Authority (SHA) system by next week.

KUCO Secretary-General George Gibore criticised the exclusion of clinical officers from SHA, despite legal provisions requiring their inclusion.

"The Social Health Authority must immediately enroll and publish the list of registered healthcare facilities and all deserving clinical officers as submitted by the Clinical Officers Council. If our demands are not met by Tuesday, October 8, 2024, we will begin demonstrations 14 days thereafter," said Gibore.

Under the SHA Act, healthcare providers and facilities must apply for enrollment through relevant accreditation bodies, following regulations set by the Cabinet Secretary.

The SHA is required to enlist all licensed and certified providers and facilities to ensure quality care.

Gibore condemned the SHA and Ministry of Health for launching operations without including clinical officers accredited by the Clinical Officers Council. He noted that this oversight has sidelined over 1,000 facilities owned by the officers, including 834 that previously served Kenyans under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

"Despite our efforts, including meetings with the authority in August, the situation remains unresolved," he added.

The union also raised concerns about unpaid stipends and lack of medical coverage for clinical officer interns.

"The Ministry of Health must provide immediate medical coverage for all clinical officer interns to ensure they have access to essential healthcare. Many interns, who began their placements on April 1, 2024, have yet to receive stipends or medical cover, forcing some to sleep in hospital wards and rely on patient meals."

Their latest threat of industrial action comes just months after KUCO ended a 99-day strike in July.