The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Patients in Machakos County may face disruptions in accessing medical services as doctors and clinicians announced plans to strike starting Wednesday next week.
Despite issuing a two-week notice, the health workers claim the county has failed to address key issues they have been raising for the past two years.
Their demands include the appropriate redesignation and promotion of specialists across all levels, implementation of a return-to-work formula, and comprehensive medical coverage for all health workers before transitioning to the Social Health Authority (SHA).
At a press conference held at Machakos Level Five Hospital, Dr. Charles Okumu, chairperson of KMPDU Eastern Region, criticized the county government for neglecting their requests. He noted that this disregard has resulted in doctors performing duties unrelated to their qualifications due to delays in promotions.
He warned that patients, including those from neighboring counties relying on Machakos County health services, will not receive care as their employer has failed to address their concerns.
Bonface Mitambo, chair of the Machakos Kenya Union of Clinical Officers and National Deputy Chair, stated that services will come to a halt at midnight on Tuesday if their demands for promotions, redesignation, and medical coverage are not met.
After two years of unproductive negotiations regarding their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), they feel they have reached their breaking point.
Donald Mutiso, Secretary General of the Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union, highlighted that they have been using personal resources to tackle public health issues at the community level, criticizing the county for inadequate transportation support.
In response, Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti called on the public service board to expedite the promotion process.
County Secretary Muya Ndambuki confirmed receipt of the doctors’ strike notice and accused them of failing to cooperate. He urged them to reconsider their strike and engage in dialogue with the county.
