ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi.
Health CS Mutahi Kagwe on Tuesday said on the issue of PPEs, medics can access the safety equipment from their counties and that no county has said it lacks PPEs and lacked support.
Some of the medics’ demands include the enhancement of allowances, which the CS said must be approved by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission. He added that contractual engagements are recognised by law and parties need to be guided by the terms of agreement.
Kagwe says most of the medics’ demands have been met, urging union officials to accept that it s impossible to meet every demand.
Kagwe said the formation of a commission should not be more important than taking care of a woman who is about to deliver.
“You abandon her because a commission has not been formed, it s sad … To see a child walk into a hospital and because [your] promotion has not been effected, you watch the child die, it s sad. Delays in salaries happen across the country.
KMPDU officials from left: treasurer Daisy Korir, secretary general Chibanzi Mwachonda, chairman Samwel Oroko and Nyanza chapter secretary general Kevin Osuri in Kisii on 21/12/2020. [Sammy Omingo,Standard]
It was a heartbreaking story of pain and anguish in public hospitals across the country on Monday after 7,200 doctors joined nurses and other medics in downing tools until the government meet their demands.
Patients discharged
All wards remained closed after patients were discharged when clinical officers and nurses went on strike that has now entered the third week.
The situation was similar in the five sub county hospitals including Chakoli, Khunyangu, Port Victoria, Nambale and Sio Port.
A deserted outpatient section at the Busia County Referral Hospital. [Ignatius Odanga/Standard]
Chief Officer for Health and Sanitation Isaac Omeri told The Standard that striking medics had refused to have talks with county health officials.
Meanwhile, the Busia County Service Board has started the process of hiring some 10 new medical officers. At least 55 candidates have already been interviewed.
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Medics vow to stay away until issues are handled
Health & Science - By
Edwin Nyarangi and Eric Abuga | December 22nd 2020 at 12:00:00 GMT +0300
KMPDU secretary general Chibanzi Mwachonda addresses the press at Nyakoe Hotel in Kisii County on 21/12/2020. [Sammy Omingo,Standard]
Doctors yesterday vowed not to return to work until the Government addresses their demands.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentist Union (KMPDU) declared a nationwide strike for 7,200 doctors starting at midnight on Sunday joining clinical officers and nurses in the industrial action.
Yesterday, KMPDU Secretary General Chibanzi Mwachonda said it has been eight months of engagement in the context of Covid-19 and that they were tired seeing their colleagues losing their lives with little care from the Government.