Kenya's healthcare sector faces new turmoil as doctors, represented by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU), threaten to strike, citing unmet commitments from the government after their last walkout earlier this year.
The KMPDU claims the government has failed to implement key elements from a return-to-work agreement signed following a 56-day strike, leaving healthcare workers feeling frustrated and disillusioned. KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atella expressed his disappointment, stating, "The government has not implemented the agreement we signed in May." Dr. Jackson Kamonzi, the North Rift branch secretary, noted that doctors often have to step away from their work to pursue solutions with county authorities and the government.
The union has given the government a deadline of November 30 to address their demands, with plans to issue a seven-day strike notice if no progress is made. Dr. Atella underscored the urgency, stating, "Our patients have seen enough; we cannot rely on promises anymore."
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This strike threat emerges as the healthcare system faces additional scrutiny following the death of a three-year-old child at Longisa Referral County Hospital, amid allegations of neglect. A widely shared video shows the distressed child reportedly left unattended by hospital staff. The family claims Longisa Hospital demanded KSh 5,000 for an ambulance and an additional KSh 8,000 for a referral to Tenwek AGC Hospital.
The child’s relative, Joan Cherotich, expressed the family’s frustration, while Bomet County Health CEC Dr. Joseph Sitonik promised an investigation. The hospital stated the child arrived late, but the incident has fueled renewed calls for accountability and improvements in Kenya's healthcare system.
As doctors prepare for a potential strike and amid the recent tragedy, Kenya's healthcare sector faces mounting challenges, underscoring the need for urgent reforms.
