The Health Union Caucus has pledged to petition the Senate to amend existing laws to strengthen healthcare facility security.
The Union's comments come after two people were caught on camera on Wednesday threatening healthcare personnel at Port Victoria Hospital in Busia.
Health workers criticized the aforementioned occurrence in a joint statement to newsrooms on Friday, issued by Health Union Caucus Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah, calling such incidents an impediment to Kenya's healthcare system.
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"The Unions will be petitioning Senate to amend necessary legislation to provide for enhanced security measures within health facilities and enforcement of Occupational Safety and Health Act in health facilities," the statement reads in part.
"Such acts of aggression not only jeopardize the safety and well-being of healthcare professionals but also undermine the critical healthcare services they provide to the community. This incident is a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced security measures within healthcare facilities across the country," it added.
The health professionals also lamented a significant increase in attacks on health workers around the country, claiming that those responsible for these attacks are frequently not held accountable for their acts.
"Just the other day, health workers in Naivasha level 4 hospital were threatened at gunpoint. The police appeared 4 hours later. There are similar cases like the one in Migori and Kisii where assailants were indeed State officers and people who are expected to carry themselves with utmost decorum," said the health workers.
"It is concerning that almost all hospitals do not have scanners and anybody can get into the hospital with weapons without forgetting that a number of people seeking attention are mentally unwell. Health workers are exposed to these criminal acts especially during night duty."
The union also demanded the arrest of the two people who were seen threatening health workers at the Busia hospital.
They also pushed for providing armed security guards in all health facilities, particularly during night shifts, and the immediate application of the Occupational Safety and Health Act within health facilities.
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