The government has been urged to recognize the potential of healthcare caregivers and integrate them seamlessly into the healthcare system.
Kenya Association of healthcare support assistant chairman Anthony Wahome emphasized the crucial role these dedicated professionals could play in bridging the gap between medical practitioners and significantly improving health services across the nation.
Drawing inspiration from developed countries like Europe, where caregivers are highly valued and work hand in hand with medical practitioners, Wahome argued that Kenya must follow suit to elevate its healthcare standards and better meet the needs of its people.
He spoke on Friday during a second graduation ceremony of health givers at Milestone Institute of Professional Studies in Thika.
He said that the graduates' expertise and support will be instrumental in bridging the current gap in the numbers of nurses and doctors, ultimately enhancing the quality of healthcare services.
"As we witness the graduation of these exceptional minds, we must recognize that healthcare caregivers can fill critical gaps in our healthcare system," Wahome emphasized.
"They are an untapped resource, and integrating them into our medical facilities will have a profound impact on healthcare delivery."
He underscored that their expertise and support could be instrumental in enhancing the quality of healthcare services and alleviating the burden on the existing healthcare workforce.
George Maina, the Founder of the Milestone Institute of Professional Studies, echoed Wahome's sentiments, highlighting the overwhelming demand for the healthcare assistance course.
He commended the government for its role in promoting the course, which has led to most students being absorbed into hospitals for practical training before graduating.
"Today, we stand witness to the power of collective belief in the impact of healthcare caregivers," Maina said urging the graduates to use their skills to promote good health.
The State early this year announced plans to hire 20,000 healthcare workers to bridge the doctor, nurse and midwife ratios as recommended by the World Health Organization.
Health Cabinet secretary Susan Nakhumicha said the health workers would be absorbed over a three-year period subject to the availability of Sh21 billion required by the ministry to bring them on board.
She said the healthcare workers would be deployed to the county hospitals in a plan that is also aimed at attaining Universal Health Coverage set to be rolled out this year.
“We intend to employ 20,000 healthcare workers across all cadres in the next three years,” said Nakhumicha
