Chuka
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
KNA by David Mutwiri/Blaise Gitonga
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has called on doctors across the country to prioritize offering medical services in public hospitals and not their privately owned clinics.
Governor Njuki who is also the Council of Governors (COG) Health Chairperson noted that most of the doctors spent more time in their private clinics, deserting their work stations in public health facilities.
The statement comes In the wake of an agreement by the government and healthcare workers to end the 56-day long strike, with Governor Njuki assuring the doctors of the government’s commitment to honor their demands and in return asking them to prioritize serving the public.
“Since the pay they are receiving now and the allowances have been increased, my appeal to doctors is to use most of their time in public health facilities where taxpayers’ money is being used to pay them and not their privately owned clinics where they charge expensively for the same services,” Mr Njuki said.
The Governor warned that Tharaka Nithi County would be stern on how many hours the doctors clocked, where monitoring will be beefed up to ensure effective service delivery to the residents.
“If we have received you back and promised to honor your demands, we shall be strict on how many hours you spend in our hospitals,” Mr Njuki affirmed.
According to the Governor, the ending of the doctors’ strike underscores the commitment of all stakeholders to seamless service provision in hospitals and the establishment of an inclusive healthcare system in line with President William Ruto’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) plan.
“Negotiations took long because we did not want to make the same mistakes the previous regime did since the controversial 2017 CBA was politically motivated and could not be implemented. The government can now honor whatever has been agreed on,” said Mr Njuki.
He further noted that the Council of Governors remains steadfast in fulfilling its obligations, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery for an improved and functional healthcare system in the country.
Governor Njuki was speaking during a Church service at Igakiramba Catholic Church in Mwimbi Ward, Maara Constituency.
Courtesy: KNA