On Monday, the Kenya Medical Association (KMA) faulted President William Ruto’s appointment of a 20-member task force to address human resource challenges within the health sector.
In a statement, KMA clarified that other constitutional bodies were already undertaking the purpose for which the 20-member task force was appointed.
According to KMA, the constitutional bodies that had previously been established to address the same issue included the Health Human Resource Advisory Council and Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority.
“Given the mandates of KHHRAC and KHPOA, the establishment of a Presidential Task Force is deemed ultra vires and duplicates the roles of both,” KMA noted.
According to the doctors, several recommendations addressing challenges within the health sector had already been made by the two bodies but remained unimplemented.
KMA urged the government to instead, direct efforts towards strengthening existing regulatory bodies and establish a Health Service Commission (HSC).
The doctors noted that establishing an HSC would present the most comprehensive and sustainable solution and offer a centralized and structured approach to managing the challenges within the health sector.
"The Kenya Medical Association remains committed to upholding the welfare of doctors and the highest standards of healthcare for all Kenyans," KMA noted.
The statement by KMA comes two days after President Ruto announced the establishment of the task force on human resources for health.
The task force was deemed necessary to formulate comprehensive strategies and policies to enhance the health care services in the country.
Ruto through a gazette notice dated July 5, stated that the task force would help address current challenges and gaps in the recruitment, replacement, training and retention of healthcare professionals.
The Head of State announced Khama Rogo as the Chairperson and Judith Guserwa as the Vice Chairperson of the task force.
