By Peter Ochieng
Doctors in Bungoma County have arrived at a consensus to maintain emergency medical services across all health facilities, as the nationwide doctors strike enters its 8th day on Thursday.
The consensus was reached at during an engagement between county executives and doctors on Wednesday.
Emphasising the importance of emergency care within the healthcare system, doctors expressed their commitment to ensuring patients receive critical medical attention, despite the ongoing industrial action.
Dr. Andrew Wamalwa, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health and Sanitation affirmed the department’s dedication to resolving the strike impasse, stressing that patient care should remain a top priority.
“While recogniding doctors’ legitimate grievances, its imperative that we safeguard the well-being of patients who rely on our health facilities,” stated Dr. Wamalwa.
Moreover, the CECM outlined various initiatives aimed at improving doctors’ welfare, including the recruitment of additional medical personnel and plans for promotions within the department.
In attendance were key officials including Chief Officer Dr. Magrina Mayama, Director of Health and Sanitation Dr. Caleb Watta, and other members of the County Health Management Team.
Meanwhile, Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha has warned that the government might resort to sacking striking doctors.
Doctors are protesting the government’s failure to post medical interns, and the ministry’s non-adherence to the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
“They have been ordered by the court to suspend the strike; choices have consequences,” the CS said during an interview on KTN News on Wednesday night.
“If you are supposed to be on duty and you are not on duty, we have gotten somebody else to do the job,” she added.
The striking doctors have already withdrawn emergency services at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and the Kenya University Teaching, Referral and Refferal Hospital (KUTRH) after meetings to resolve the standoff failed to reach a consensus.
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has convened a meeting today afternoon to find a solution.