Dr Chibanzi Mwachonda loses KMPDU secretary general post
HEALTH & SCIENCE
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union has voted out Dr Chibanzi Mwachonda as its secretary-general.
Following the elections held today, Dr Mwachonda will now be replaced by Dr Ouma Davji, who secured 36 per cent of the votes. Dr Mwachonda came third after having garneerd 15.5 per cent of the votes.
The incoming national chairperson is Dr Abidan Muchuma, who secured 36.6 per cent of the vote, followed by Benjamin Magare with 32.1 per cent.
The union s new vice-chairperson is Dr David Mundia who garnered 45.6 per cent of the vote.
Some of Dr Mwachonda’s highlights as secretary-general were characterized by calls to the government to review the plight of healthcare workers amid the ongoing pandemic.
THE STANDARD
NATIONAL
Trade unions are facing unprecedented tough times amid coronavirus and constant attacks from the government.
As Kenyans marked International Labour Day yesterday, trade unionists claim they have little to celebrate as gains realised over the years are being eroded.
They said the attacks are aimed at reducing unions membership to weaken their bargaining power.
The struggle for workers rights dates back years since independence. Despite having a progressive constitution, threats to trade unions are on the rise, with members haemorrhage to weaken them.
KEEP READING
At the centre of the new onslaught is interference with monthly dues remitted to the unions, which sustains their operations and helps them access legal services.
Why Kenyan nurses are avoiding Covid jab - Standard Health standardmedia.co.ke - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from standardmedia.co.ke Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Following protocol
Kenyans are questioning the roll-out plan of the vaccine and failure by the top leadership in the country and the Ministry of Health to take the jab.
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Geoffrey Mungaru from Nairobi County believes it s wise to receive the vaccine considering the impact of Covid-19 in the world but Wamalwa Odhiambo, 30, does not want to take the jab arguing that, “If our leaders are not taking the vaccine how can I take what I do not know. I will only change my mind when I am convinced about the vaccine.”
Dr Tanya, an assistant Prof in Pediatrics Infectious Disease at Mt Sinai receives Covid-19, Moderna vaccine in NYC. [Courtesy]
Health workers have expressed mixed feelings towards the uptake of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine as Kenya starts a vaccination programme.
About one million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine are expected into the country today.
The first batch of 495,000 doses will be distributed to regional depots, Level VI hospitals and Military Level IV hospitals. The second batch will contain 525,000 doses.
Goody Gor, an official of Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), said she is reluctant to receive the vaccine, over claims that its efficacy has not been determined.