The Association of Registered Nurse Anesthetists-Kenya (ARNA-KEN) has raised concerns about a pressing healthcare issue. ARNA-KEN represents licensed Kenya Registered Nurse Anesthetists (KRNA), who deliver safe anesthesia services nationwide. Their members work across all 47 counties in public, mission, and private hospitals to provide life-saving care.
KRNAs now face a significant challenge under the newly introduced Social Health Authority (SHA) system. Previously, under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), KRNAs independently submitted pre-authorization requests for surgical patients. The SHA system now prevents KRNAs from signing off on these requests, which delays surgeries.
This procedural issue has disrupted hospital operations and inconvenienced patients waiting for critical surgical care. ARNA-KEN highlights that non-physician anesthetists, including KRNAs and Registered Clinical Officer Anesthetists (RCOAs), provide over 80% of perioperative care in Kenya. Without prompt intervention, these delays could further strain the overstretched healthcare system.
Kenya’s anesthesia workforce is critically understaffed. The country has only 0.39 physician anesthesiologists per 100,000 people, compared to the global recommendation of four per 100,000. Non-physician anesthetists have become vital in ensuring safe surgical services, particularly in remote counties. Devolution has increased surgical services at the county level, largely due to the growing number of nurse anesthetists.
ARNA-KEN urges SHA to revise its system immediately to allow KRNAs to pre-authorize surgeries. The association has also issued a seven-day ultimatum, stating that they will escalate the matter through their union if unresolved.
“We remain committed to fostering collaboration, delivering safe anesthesia, and ensuring all Kenyans have access to quality healthcare,” ARNA-KEN stated. The association hopes for a swift resolution that aligns with Kenya’s healthcare goals and safeguards patient welfare.
