The government has trained 1200 healthcare workers to be tasked with the management and eventual treatment of Coronavirus patients, the Ministry of Health has revealed even as its CS, Mutahi Kagwe challenged doctors to embrace technology in the delivery of healthcare services.
The CS said that lack of technology continues to drive thousands of Kenyans to seek medication abroad, which will be even impossible at this moment when many countries are experiencing the threat of Coronavirus.
“I am challenging you to embrace technology in healthcare service delivery particularly in this era of Coronavirus. It is even going to be more costly for Kenyans seeking medication abroad at this difficult time when most countries are closing their borders due to the virus and other new disease burdens,” Kagwe said when he presided over the launch of the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) Strategic Plan 2020-2024 in Nairobi.
The CS raised concern over the rising cost of treatment in the country asking the doctors to give it more attention in the next four years with a view to reviewing the prices downwards.
“I am however, assuring you of the Ministry’s commitment to work with you to improve healthcare services and patient care in every hospital,” he told the doctors who in return asked Kenyans to be in the frontline in helping the government address the virus’ aggression as the first case in the country was confirmed early Friday.
He called upon KMPDU to continue playing a critical role for the country’s health sector in addressing major challenges facing the country and even beyond Kenya’s borders, beside the representation of Kenyan doctors in labour matters.
“Your role is no longer just about the welfare of the doctor but the health of the society and the role you as professionals play in shaping it. This will keep you relevant and sustainable,” Kagwe said.
KMPDU Secretary General, Ouma Oluga saud Kenyans must not go to the hospital if they suspect to be positive of coronavirus, saying safety of a healthcare worker should also be prioritised because a huge population of patients.
“Instead, you should self-isolate at home and call 0800721316, the toll-free hotline provided by the Ministry of Health. Health workers with proper protection will then call and from preliminary assessment determine if you need isolation in a health facility,” he said.
Oluga added; “If you’re sick and you go to the hospital, you risk infecting more people who have even He said self-quarantine will also protect health workers and hospital support staff, who have the first contact with patients.
