Relief for patients after clinical officers call off strike

After 23 days of a strike that affected healthcare services across the country, clinical officers have agreed to resume their duties.

The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (Kuco), the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors on Wednesday signed a return-to-work agreement.

“This is a major step towards recognising the contribution of clinical officers in Kenya’s healthcare system. We will remain vigilant to ensure that the government honours its commitments,” said Kuco Secretary General George Gibore. 

The strike, which began on February 11, was sparked by the withdrawal of clinical officers’ ability to preauthorise medical procedures under the Social Health Authority, a right they held since the days of the defunct National Health Insurance Fund.

The move severely affecting health services in public hospitals across the country, especially where they form the backbone of patient care.

The strike left thousands of patients stranded, with some seeking expensive private healthcare while others went without treatment. 

Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa acknowledged the critical role of clinical officers and called for continuous dialogue to avoid future disruptions. 

“This marks a significant step in strengthening our healthcare system through dialogue and mutual understanding,” said Dr Barasa.

“The Ministry is committed to addressing the concerns of clinical officers and all healthcare workers to ensure a harmonious working environment and improved service delivery.” 

The resolutions outline several critical commitments aimed at resolving the dispute and ensuring better working conditions.

“Clinical officers will have their preauthorisation rights reinstated with immediate effect. This means they can once again authorise medical procedures as per their scope of practice. These rights will remain in force until the Ministry of Health concludes its ongoing review of healthcare professionals’ scopes of practice,” read the statement.   

The agreement guarantees that no clinical officer would face disciplinary action, including suspension, demotion or salary cut, for participating in the strike.

Any punitive measures taken during the strike, including cessation of salary payments or withholding of union dues, will be rescinded immediately. 

The parties agreed to continue discussions to resolve remaining issues, including posting of universal health coverage staff, internship placements, implementation of the 2024 return-to-work formula and finalisation of the long-pending Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Others present during the signing of the agreement at the Afya House were Medical Services and Public Health Principal Secretaries Harry Kimtai and Mary Muthoni, Health Director General Patrick Amoth, and Council of Governors representatives, Stephen Sang of Nandi and Nyeri’s Mutahi Kahiga.