The Association of Clinical Officers’s Specialists have threated to down their tools on 19th January, 2025 should the Government fail to address the issues of discrimination by the handlers of Social Health Authority
While addressing Media at Upperhill Gardens in Nairobi on January 13th, the clinical officers led by their Chairman Peterson Wachira confirmed that Kenya Union of Clinical Officers have been barred by the authority regarding preauthorization of specialized services they provide to the public during surgical procedures
‘’We provide up to 80 per cent of critical and specialized medical services across the country in ensuring the delivery of safe, timely, and effective care. Unfortunately, despite their expertise and dedication, they are being unfairly marginalized and discriminated against by the Social Health Authority when it comes to the preauthorization of specialized services.
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The body is now calling for immediate review of preauthorization polices and amend the current policies preventing Clinical Officers Specialists from offering specialized services
‘’We demand that the less privileged members of our society have equal access to healthcare services, denying them the right to essential and specialized care, is an injustice that must be rectified,’’ The stated
To achieve Universal Health Coverage all health care providers must be in incorporated in decision making and implementation,’’ Chairperson to Kenya Union of Clinical Officers Peterson Wachira underscored.
Preauthorization of specialized services is a critical step that determines whether patients can access timely medical intervention. The unfair denial of preauthorization or delayed approval for procedures not only undermines their professional standing but also exposes patients, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to unnecessary suffering and in some cases, death.
They warned that if any other cadre preauthorize for specialized services on their behalf, then they should go ahead and provide for the specialized services
They said that by denying them the privilege to preauthorize the specialized services to patients, means, they will not provide services that patients need and this may lead to patients suffering, delayed interventions or even death.
While backing the position, Ruth Muiruri from the Association of Reproductive Health, Clinical Officers, called for an independent audit of the Social Health Authority’s practices regarding preauthorization procedures and the inclusion of clinical officers’ specialists in the process
‘’Transparency and accountability are crucial to ensuring that healthcare decisions are made based on the needs of patients, not arbitrary or discriminatory barriers,’’ Ruth Muiruri stated