Medics oppose Ruto's health task force, say it's a duplication of exisiting bodies

Kenya's health crisis occasioned by the endless doctors' strikes could be far from over after a lobby representing medics disagreed with President William Ruto's decision to appoint a 20-member task force to address human resource challenges within the sector.

The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) expressed disagreement with Ruto's appointments, clarifying that other constitutional bodies were already in the process of undertaking the same tasks as the proposed task force.

KMA explained that the Health Human Resource Advisory Council's (KHHRAC) and the Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority's (KHPOA) roles would be duplicated by the task force.

"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 secretary general Diana Marion stated in the letter.

According to the protesting medics, numerous recommendations to address the problems have already been made by the two bodies, but they remain unimplemented for unknown reasons.

In their advice to the government, the association said it is wise if efforts are aimed at strengthening existing regulatory bodies and establishing a Health Service Commission (HSC) rather than creating more oversight authorities.

They added that establishing an HSC would present the most comprehensive and sustainable solution and offer a centralised and structured approach to managing the challenges within the health sector.

"KMA advocates for the establishment of a constitutional Health Service Commission (HSC) to centrally manage Human Resource for Health (HRH) as a strategic national resource," noted KMA secretary general Diana Marion.

It added that the formation of a commission to oversee the health sector in the country will help in setting standards for training, recruitment, remuneration, and developing codes of conduct for health workers.

The proposed commission will also register, recruit, and deploy all health workers in the country. based on needs derived from norms and standards.

President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua walk out of a State House hall after chairing a Cabinet meeting on June 13, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

Ruto appoints a task force to address human resource challenges 

The statement by the medics comes two days after President Ruto announced the establishment of the task force on human resources for health.

The Head of State, 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.

It will be domiciled at the Ministry of Health and will serve for six months.

He appointed Khama Rogo as the chairperson and Judith Guserwa as the vice chairperson of the task force.

Others are Acting Ministry of Health Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth, Kenya Medical Practitioners, and Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Deputy Secretary General Dr. Dennis Miskellah.

Dr. John Masasabi, Dr. Toseef Din, Dr. Wilson Aruasa, Doreen Rhoda Kanyua, Prof. Francis Wafula, Dr. Habiba Mohamed, Lucy Mburu, Collins Kiprono, Victor Miseda, Christine Okoth, Carolyne Mage, Jacinta Rwamba, Dr. Kanyenje Gakombe, Dr. Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, and Benard Ondeng Otieno Choi were also appointed to the task force.

The gazette notice dated July 5, 2024, also named two joint secretaries to the task force; Dr. Edna Tallam-Kimaiyo, and Morris Kaburu. Dr. Hezron Omollo and Vivienne M. Eyase were further named to the Secretariat.

Roots Party 2022 presidential running mate Justina Wamae was also appointed to the task force but turned down the offer. In a statement issued on Monday, Wamae thanked President Ruto for recognising her strength, capacity, and ability, but said she could not take up the offer as she was on maternity leave.

"After careful consideration, I have decided to decline your offer given that I'm currently on maternity leave and this development would affect my ability to work effectively at this time," Wamae wrote on X.

The task force shall be tasked with, among other things, identifying the legal, policy, administrative, and operational constraints impeding the performance of the health sector in Kenya with regard to human resources for health.