Governor Anne Waiguru, who is also the chairperson of the Council of Governors, has pleaded with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and the Dentists Union (KMPDU) to hold on to the planned doctors’ strike as various stakeholders address their issue.
Speaking during the launch of the County Health Workers Scholarship Scheme on Tuesday, September 12, Waiguru said that the doctors should be aware of the fact that the country inherited huge debts and had a big burden of servicing the health facilities.
According to Governor Waiguru, the current demands for salary increase was not sensitive to the economic realities, noting that the country was struggling due to international debt policies.
"While the Council of governors appreciates the rights of medics, we also urge them to protect the lives of Citizens as entrenched in the constitution," she stated.
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The Governor noted that the strike timing was wrong at a time when devolved units were planning the Mega Universal coverage launch adding the action would create a negative perception of the health sector.
Last week on Tuesday, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists' Union (KMPDU) announced that its members would embark on a strike on Tuesday (today).
In a letter to the Kilimani OCPD, the union's secretary general, Davji Bhimji, noted that the demonstration would kick off at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
"This is to notify you that doctors (consultants, medical practitioners, pharmacists, dentists, registrars, interns, and medical students) in Kenya will be holding a peaceful procession on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at 10:00 am to deliver a petition on the state of Healthcare in Kenya," the statement read in part.
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