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The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) has taken a significant step forward in enhancing its championing for the welfare of Doctors and Quality Healthcare in Kenya and addressing healthcare challenges in the North Eastern part of Kenya with the launch of its new division, KMA Garissa. This momentous event, which took place on 23rd August, marks a new era of medical advocacy and support for the region's healthcare professionals. This strategic move is set to benefit all KMA members in the region, providing them with a dedicated platform to address healthcare challenges unique to the area.

KMA Garissa aims to bring together medical practitioners from the area, providing a platform for collaboration, professional development, and a unified voice in healthcare matters. The establishment of this division is a testament to KMA's commitment to ensuring that all regions of Kenya have access to quality medical representation and resources.

In conjunction with the launch, KMA also hosted a well-attended Antimicrobial Symposium, drawing health workers from the provincial hospital and beyond. This symposium addressed the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing concern that threatens the efficacy of antibiotics and the overall health of communities worldwide. The event served as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, best practices sharing, and capacity building, aligning with the global efforts to combat AMR.

The symposium highlighted the importance of antimicrobial stewardship and the need for a collaborative approach to preserve the effectiveness of existing treatments. It also underscored the role of healthcare professionals in educating the public about the responsible use of antimicrobials and the dangers of resistance.

The dual event of KMA Garissa's launch and the Antimicrobial Symposium represents a leap forward in healthcare for the North Eastern region of Kenya. It not only signifies the expansion of KMA's influence but also its dedication to tackling pressing health issues through education and collaboration. The success of these initiatives is a beacon of hope for the continuous improvement of healthcare standards in Kenya and a reminder of the power of collective action in the medical community.

As KMA continues to expand its reach and resources, the future of healthcare in North Eastern Kenya looks brighter than ever. The enthusiastic participation in the Antimicrobial Symposium is a clear indication of the region's dedication to advancing medical knowledge and practices.

Let's celebrate this milestone and support KMA Garissa as it embarks on this noble journey to elevate healthcare standards and enrich the lives of its members and the communities they serve. Here's to a healthier, stronger North Eastern Kenya!

The Kenya Medical Association (KMA), the umbrella professional association for doctors in Kenya, has a twin mandate: to champion the welfare of doctors and to advocate for the highest standard of quality healthcare in the country and beyond.

The KMA strongly condemns the recent acts of police brutality and the use of excessive force against members of the public and healthcare professionals providing emergency medical services to injured protestors in the ongoing national protests. These actions by law enforcement agencies undermine the principles of a just and democratic society and have contributed significantly to the morbidity and mortality witnessed over the last few days.

The actions against healthcare workers and the obstruction of medical services violate the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantees every citizen the right to health and medical care. Specifically, Article 43 (1)(a) ensures the right to the highest attainable standard of health, including the right to healthcare services.

These acts also contravene international laws and standards. The Geneva Conventions, to which Kenya is a signatory, mandate the protection of medical personnel and the unhindered provision of medical care during times of conflict. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) outlines the necessity of medical neutrality, ensuring that healthcare workers can perform their duties without fear of violence or obstruction.

The World Medical Association (WMA) policy on physician safety, to which KMA adheres, emphasizes the protection and safety of healthcare professionals in all circumstances, particularly during times of crisis.

We are deeply disappointed by the reported attacks and abductions of healthcare workers offering voluntary services to Kenyans exercising their constitutional rights. Violence against healthcare professionals is unacceptable and goes against the principles of compassion and care that the medical profession upholds. Reports of obstructed access to care, barring of ambulances, and attacks on healthcare delivery camps are particularly concerning. Every Kenyan has the right to health and to seek medical attention without fear of harm.

The safety of healthcare workers in their line of duty is critical for the delivery of emergency services during crises such as this. Ensuring their protection is paramount for the continued provision of necessary medical services to those in need.

In light of these events, the KMA recommends the following actions:

• We urge the government and its security agencies to facilitate the movement and ensure the safety and protection of healthcare workers, enabling them to provide essential emergency services without interference.
• KMA appeals to the Ministry of Health to support the delivery of emergency medical services by providing the necessary resources for the timely and appropriate referral of patients.

The medical fraternity remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the profession, its principles, and the duty of care. We call on all stakeholders to uphold the rights of healthcare workers and to ensure the provision of unhindered medical services to all Kenyans, especially during times of national crisis.

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The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) is the national umbrella professional association for Doctors in Kenya. KMA’s twin mandate is to champion for the welfare of doctors and advocate for delivery of quality healthcare in Kenya.

Kenya Medical Association raises concern over the safety of patients and healthcare providers during the upcoming scheduled ‘Maandamano’ protests. During previous protests, KMA noted that access to healthcare facilities for patients and healthcare providers was hindered resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. We confirm that our members attended to hundreds of injured Kenyans and witnessed tens of fatalities as a result of the protests and the threat of this continuing is worrying.

KMA therefore;

• Calls upon the Government and it’s security agencies to ensure the safety of healthcare facilities, personnel and patients.
• Encourages individuals seeking medical attention to prioritize their safety and seek care at healthcare facilities equipped to handle emergencies.
• Urges healthcare providers to take necessary precautions and follow established protocols to protect themselves while continuing to provide essential medical services.
• Highlights the ethical responsibilities of healthcare professionals to uphold patient care and support the community during times of crisis. We encourage healthcare providers to remain vigilant, maintain open communication with patients, and provide necessary medical assistance while adhering to professional ethics and code of conduct.
• Appeals for calm and open dialogue to address the grievances leading to the protest while anticipating peaceful resolution of conflict and emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe environment for the provision of healthcare services.

DOWNLOAD KMA STATEMENT ON THE SCHEDULED NATIONAL PROTESTS