Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-04-09 15:48:18
Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital recently made the decision to dismiss and suspend 100 striking doctors while bringing in five foreign doctors to fill the gap. This move comes amidst an ongoing impasse between the government and the striking doctors, now in its fourth week with no resolution in sight.
The hospital has recruited four oncologists from Ethiopia, Malawi, and Tanzania to help resume critical services. Thanks to these new hires, the facility was able to conduct approximately 40 chemotherapy sessions on a single day. The hospital board chairperson, Prof. Olive Mugenda, confirmed these changes and acknowledged that the strike had left many patients in a difficult situation.
Prof. Mugenda explained that after consulting with the board and obtaining government approval, they chose to hire foreign doctors to assist during this challenging time. Nearly half of the hospital’s doctors, totaling 100 out of 250, have received dismissal or suspension letters as a result of the strike. Despite operating at 82 percent capacity, the absence of striking doctors has significantly impacted major operations.
It remains unclear whether the striking doctors will return to work. Those who continued to strike were served with dismissal letters, while others received suspension letters. Prof. Mugenda stated that the newly hired doctors will be retained even if the striking doctors decide to come back. Those with suspension letters will have to face a disciplinary committee if they choose to return.
The Kenya Medical and Practitioners Board (KMPDU) has been advocating for various demands, including the posting of interns and the implementation of the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura criticized the Ksh206,000 salary for interns as unreasonable and claimed that the 2017 CBA was signed under duress.
The doctors at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital joined the nationwide doctors’ strike on March 20, adding to the growing pressure on the healthcare system. The situation remains tense as both sides continue to stand their ground, leaving patients and the public in distress.
As the hospital moves forward with foreign doctors to fill the void left by the striking doctors, the future of healthcare delivery at the facility remains uncertain. It is clear that until a resolution is reached between the government and the striking doctors, the impact on patient care and medical services will persist. The healthcare system in Kenya faces significant challenges, and finding a mutually beneficial solution is essential to ensure the well-being of both healthcare providers and patients.
Read the original article on Kenyans.co.ke
