The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has declared their intention to initiate a nationwide strike beginning tomorrow, Monday, April 1. In a statement released on Sunday, KUCO cited prolonged neglect by the government in addressing critical issues affecting their profession as the catalyst for the industrial action.
According to KUCO, this neglect directly hampers the provision of quality healthcare services and undermines efforts towards implementing Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Among the grievances they seek redress for are the delayed issuance of confirmation letters for permanent and pensionable positions for their members. They also demand resolution of what they describe as “systemic flagrant” actions by the Public Service Commission (PSC), which have hindered staff promotions since the advent of devolution.
“We urge for the prompt approval of Career Progression Guidelines for clinical officers,” KUCO’s statement asserted.
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Additionally, they are calling for the immediate recruitment of over 20,000 qualified officers to alleviate existing staff shortages.
“We insist that the Ministry of Health adheres to the 2020 approved Salaries and Remuneration establishment guidelines by the PSC, disregarding disruptive advisories from the Commission (SRC) that threaten sector stability,” the statement further emphasized.
This strike announcement follows a prolonged nationwide doctors’ strike that has severely disrupted healthcare service delivery. The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) remain resolute in their stance, vowing to continue their protests until the government addresses their demands.
Key demands from the doctors include the implementation of the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the immediate deployment of intern doctors, issues which they intend to discuss further in their upcoming meeting with the Ministry of Health leadership.
Doctors have even warned of withdrawing even the most essential services if the deadlock persists.
