Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-04-05 10:46:47
Kenyans have been forced to seek healthcare services in Tanzania due to the ongoing Doctors’ strike that has disrupted medical services in the country. The strike, which started on March 15 and is now in its third week, was initiated by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU).
Reports indicate that there has been a notable increase in the number of Kenyan patients seeking treatment in the Rombo district of Kilimanjaro and the Longido district of Arusha in Tanzania. It is speculated that this trend may continue if the strike by medical officers persists.
The migration of Kenyan patients to Tanzania has raised concerns about the porous nature of the Kenya-Tanzania border. Analysts suggest that Tanzania could use this situation to improve and strengthen its healthcare system by investing in modern medical equipment, infrastructure upgrades, and specialized training.
Despite the government’s recent efforts to allocate Ksh2.4 billion for the recruitment of intern medical officers, the doctors’ strike shows no signs of abating. The KMPDU, led by Secretary General Davji Atellah, deemed the government’s offer insufficient and vowed to continue the demonstrations until their demands are met.
In an interview with Citizen TV on April 2, Atellah stated, “The strike is on. I think it is on more than before,” hinting at a deepening health crisis. Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura labeled the strike as illegal, emphasizing that it was against the law. The Employment and Labour Relations Court suspended the strike on April 3 and urged both parties to resolve their disputes within 14 days.
The ongoing strike by medical professionals has created a healthcare crisis in Kenya, prompting citizens to seek treatment across the border in Tanzania. As the situation continues to evolve, both the government and the medical union must find a way to address the root causes of the strike and work towards a sustainable solution for the benefit of all Kenyans.
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