Thika: The Kenya Association of Health Care Support Assistants (KAHSA) has issued a call to the government to intensify efforts to close down institutions offering substandard training, highlighting the risks posed to patient safety by unqualified personnel.
According to Kenya News Agency, KAHSA Secretary General Rina Ndeta expressed concerns about colleges reducing mandatory training periods, especially for caregiver courses that are meant to last for six months. Ndeta pointed out that some institutions have compressed these programs into just three weeks, leading to graduates who are inadequately prepared for their roles and who pose significant risks to patients.
Ndeta emphasized that the government needs to take decisive action to eliminate such training facilities. She noted that while some non-compliant schools have been closed and their operators prosecuted, many others continue to operate without proper registration, enticing students with promises of quick certification.
The association highlighted how these shortened courses appeal to students eager to enter the job market quickly, often at the cost of comprehensive training and adherence to professional standards. KAHSA Patron Dennis Oketch advised students to verify the accreditation status of institutions before enrolling and to avoid programs that do not meet the required duration.
Oketch reiterated the necessity for caregiver training to last six months and health care support assistant courses to extend over a year. He shared that KAHSA has formally communicated these concerns to relevant regulatory bodies and called for swift enforcement action against non-compliant institutions.
Furthermore, Oketch highlighted the issue of unregistered recruitment agencies exploiting graduates with false promises of overseas employment, leading to significant financial losses for many victims. He urged the government to take action against these fraudulent agencies and hold those responsible accountable.
