Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha says the government is willing to meet with medical professionals to discuss their grievances and end the strike.
“I want to ask of the doctors that the government has extended an olive branch therefore it is up to them to come to the table and discuss their counteroffer so that we find a solution.” Said the CS.
Her statement comes a day after health practitioners' unions informed the public of their continuous strike, reaching day 36.
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According to the unions, the government is in a position to satisfy their demands but has decided to disregard them at the expense of Kenyans.
Kenya National Union of Nurses Secretary General Seth Panyako stated that nurses may be forced to join the ongoing strike if it is not resolved.
Speaking in Busia County, Panyako stated that their services at public hospitals have also been hampered since medical professionals, clinical officers, and pharmaceutical technologists play critical roles in hospitals.
The prolonged strike has prompted patients across the country to seek medical care in private institutions or postpone treatment, with some dying as a result.
CS Nakhumicha claims that the delay in fixing the difficulties is due to the government's commitment to resolving the health sector's problems once and for all rather than settling for a quick fix.
“I want to assure the public that as the government we are working to ensure an amicable and lasting solution is reached. What we do not want is to put a bandage on a wound without treating it,” she said.
“I want to assure Kenyans that this situation is going to be in control, if not tomorrow, in the next few days we are going to reach an agreement.”
