Health CS threatens to sack striking doctors
Health CS Susan Nakhumicha threatens to sack doctors participating in the strike called by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU).
Speaking on KTN News on Wednesday, March 20, Nakhumicha said she had instructed Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) to recruit new doctors.
For instance, she said KNH has over 400 doctors in its database waiting to be employed to ensure services continue.
“This evening, I have given instructions to KUTRRH and KNH to recruit, and once we recruit, that is it. For instance, KU has over 400 doctors waiting to be employed in their database. We have to put a measure in place. The places have to be manned. We have an ICU the patient needs to be taken care of. I cannot sit and stay put,” Nakhumicha said.
According to the Health CS, she cannot allow a crisis to persist in the health sector, yet the country has nearly 3,000 unemployed doctors.
“Services will be offered. That I can assure you. We have made all plans possible to make sure services will be offered. There are close to 3, 000 doctors who are unemployed, and we will not allow a crisis to come,” the CS added.
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She disclosed the recruitment would seal the fate of those participating in the strike, arguing that the courts have ordered KMPDU to call off the strike.
“If you are supposed to be on duty and you are not on duty, we have gotten somebody else to do the job. They have been ordered by the court to suspend the strike; choices have consequences,” she stated.
In addition, the Health Cabinet Secretary announced a change in the posting of medical interns.
She revealed that the date has been pushed up from April 1 to today March 21.
“Based on the guidelines, I want to announce that we will start posting interns tomorrow. Please come and start picking your letter and after that, you can get your license and be employed in government and private sectors,” she stated.
She explained that the decision was informed by the looming crisis in the health sector as doctors continue to stage their strike.
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