21st October 2021.
RESPONSE TO ARTICLE APPEARING ON THE STAR NEWSPAPER
Kenya Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (KOGS) is a professional not-for-profit society established in 1975, under the Societies Act (cap 108) of the Laws of Kenya, with the aim of bringing together gynecologists and obstetricians from all over the Republic of Kenya. The Society is guided by its fundamental principles which includes Encouraging a high standard of practice in the art and science of obstetrics and gynecology in Kenya in order to attain the best possible level of health for the women and children in Kenya.
In this endeavor, KOGS partners with other Professional Associations e.g. Kenya Pediatrics Association, Kenya Society of Anesthesiologists amongst others so as to improve the maternal and neonatal outcomes during pregnancy, labor and delivery. It is in relation to this, KOGS would like to distance itself from the article appearing in the Star Newspaper that Ketamine Veterinary Drug is Saving Lives in C-Sections, whereby it is indicated that KOGS was leading this initiative.
Cesarean section is a widely performed surgery with a rate of complications that is much higher than vaginal delivery thus ensuring safety for women receiving cesarean delivery remains a continuing challenge. KOGS is guided by World Health Organization-World Federation of Societies of Anesthesiologists (WHO-WFSA) position that access to safe anesthesia for essential surgery is a basic human right and should be available to all patients irrespective of their ability to pay.
The referenced study in the article mainly focused on surveys of opinions from informants i.e. ketamine providers, proceduralists/surgeons, and hospital administrators which is prone to bias. Our main concern as the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society (KOGS) is that this cannot conclusively demonstrate that ketamine is safe as used by non-anesthetists. In addition, 4 days training is too short for one to attain competence to provide safe anaesthesia.
With the expansion of accredited training programs for anaesthesiologists/anesthetists coupled with devolution of Health Services, majority of Kenyans should be able to access safe anaesthesia provided by competent professionals. Resorting to ketamine alone after such a short period of training amounts to suboptimal care
Kind Regards,
Dr. Kireki Omanwa
KOGS President.
