Clinicians cry foul over SHA discrimination

The National Association of Clinical Officer Anesthetists Kenya (NACOA-K), in collaboration with other specialist associations for clinical officers has complained over biasness from Government services.
The protest of discrimination by the Social Health Authority, specifically the refusal to empanel facilities owned by clinical officers registered under the Clinical Officers Act was critical pointer. Also in contention is the withdrawal of pre-authorization rights from clinical officers.
NACOA-K Chairperson Ruth Muiruri told a press briefing today at the Kenya Union of Clinicians Organization (KUCO) IN Upper Hill about their frustrations as experts;
“We are here to address a critical issue affecting the healthcare sector in Kenya, more singularly they discrimination faced by Clinical Officers specialists by Social Health Authority (SHA) regarding the preauthorization of specialized services they provide to the public during surgical procedures especially the less privileged members of our society.”
She added; “Clinical Officers specialists provide up to 80% of critical/specialized medical services across the country play a major role 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 (SHA) when it comes to the preauthorization of specialized services. To achieve Universal Health Coverage all healthcare providers must be incorporated in decision-making and implementation,” Muturi said while flanked by her fellow practitioners.
NACOA-K also called into question the rationale of delayed approval of procedures which it dubbed unfair. Muturi in her response stated; “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.”
NACOA-K has demanded that the SHA body immediately review the Preauthorization Policies such that a system recognizing and facilitating their role in the healthcare system is urgently needed. At the same time, the Clinicians body stated that empowerment of specialists officers was essential in ensuring that the Clinicians are fully integrated into the national healthcare framework.