Doctors have threatened to withdraw services within three weeks following alleged blatant disregard of court orders and harassment by some county officials and public hospitals.
Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has accused Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) of unfairly dismissing some of their members amid Covid-19 pandemic.
KMPDU Secretary General Dr Davji Atellah expressed displeasure over KNH’s decision to employ doctors on contract and disengaging them at will.
“It is alarming that KNH decided to sack doctors during the Covid-19 pandemic period without following procedure,” said Dr Davji.
KNH allegedly sent home some 40 doctors who were working on contract. Union has also registered concerns following frustrations from various counties, which they claim have hampered operations at public hospitals.
Dr Aby Mwachi, KMPDU National Chairman named Laikipia, Kirinyaga and Kitui as the most hostile counties to medical practitioners.
He further said these counties have abandoned their roles in the health care sector. Other complaints include withdrawal of doctors’ risks allowances and inadequate PPEs.
“We are going to involve Kenyans and call for peaceful demonstrations every Wednesday if our issues are not resolved,” warned Dr Mwachi.
KMPDU leadership were speaking in Kisumu at the weekend when they held a meeting with Governors Health Committee Chairperson Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o to deliberate on how to enhance industrial harmony in the sector.
