Recognise clinical officers under SHA

Kenyan health is a rich tapestry of professionals who are infused with hard work and dedication. Among them, the clinical officers have been the backroom heroes for long enough, providing vital medical interventions, particularly where resources are limited.

Their work, from primary care all the way to surgery, has been a game-changer in making healthcare access available to millions of Kenyans. But the new stance of the Social Health Authority (SHA) threatens to diminish their valuable contribution, forcing them to work under the supervision of medical officers, reducing them to a junior position.

This discriminatory practice must be challenged and rectified.

Clinical officers undergo intensive training, which allows them to diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of medical conditions.

They are the first point of contact for patients, especially in rural and underserved areas, where medical officers are not easily accessible.

They have, over the years, demonstrated that they can carry out surgical procedures, manage emergencies, and provide whole-person care, exceeding expectations in challenging environments.

Their competencies are not theoretical; they are tested in the crucible of everyday experience, honed through years of dedicated service.

The SHA’s provision for supervision by a medical officer disregards the established competencies and legal aspects that guide the practice of clinical officers.

The Act for clinical officers (training, registration and licensing) recognises their autonomy and authorises them to practice within their field of training.

This legislation considers the reality of the provision of healthcare in Kenya, where clinical officers serve as a significant bridging resource to bridge the gaps because of the shortage of medical officers.

Read: Clinical officers demand recognition in latest wave of industrial action

It is not only unrealistic but also a great waste of resources to expect them to work under supervision at all times.

Secondly, this policy overlooks the established record of clinical officers in managing healthcare services, particularly in rural and remote areas.

These are the foundation of the health infrastructure in underserved areas, providing critical care that would otherwise not be accessible to communities.

By virtue of their ability to work autonomously and perform clinic services, surgery, and emergency care, their interventions have improved the successes in health and reduced mortality rates. To withhold from them this autonomy is a means of endangering the health and lives of the poorest people in society.

Quality healthcare

The SHA ruling is not equitable from the principles of access and equity that must guide any country’s health scheme.

In excessively placing impediments on clinical officers, the power is practically debarred millions of Kenyans and most importantly those dwelling in rural settlements from receiving healthcare, something that goes contrary to the very purpose for which the SHA exists, and which is delivering uniform access to good quality healthcare for all.

The reason why quality assurance needs to be supervised by a medical officer is not strong. Quality is not just a matter of having a supervisor but is also a matter of training, experience, and professional accountability. Clinical officers have strict professional obligations and are held accountable for their actions.

Their performance is tracked regularly, and they are continually required to develop their skills by undergoing professional improvement.

To imply that they cannot provide quality care in the absence of supervision is a belittling their professionalism and expertise.

Instead of imposing discriminatory requirements, the SHA ought to work towards developing the capacity of clinical officers through continuous training and mentorship schemes.

This would enhance their skills, improve the quality of care, and enable them to better respond to the evolving healthcare needs of the population. Collaborative arrangements in which clinical officers are merged with medical officers in a harmonious and respectful team should be encouraged.

The SHA ought to recognise that clinical officers are not substitutes for medical officers. They are part of the healthcare team, with their own strengths and expertise. They complement one another, not compete.

Through good working conditions, the SHA can get the combined best out of the two cadres towards better health for Kenyans.

Lastly, the SHA’s discriminatory stance against clinical officers makes no sense and is even counterproductive. It incapacitates them in their critical role, excludes them from accessing healthcare, and ignores the established legal order. Reverse the decision and recognise the priceless contribution of clinical officers.

It must instead focus on enhancing their capacity, promoting cooperation, and making them empowered to provide quality healthcare to all Kenyans. It is only then that the SHA can fully perform its mandate of ensuring equal access to healthcare for all.

It is time to stop discrimination and acknowledge Clinical Officers.

The writer is a Communication Strategist