Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has slammed the government over revoking the Cuban doctors deal terming it as irrational.
In a statement on Tuesday, October 17, Governor Nyong’o said the sudden withdrawal of the doctors will plunge the country into a crisis.
“I, as former Minister of Medical Services and now governor of Kisumu County, want to make it very clear to the Kenyan Government and the people of Kenya, that the sudden withdrawal of Cuban doctors from our medical services is an irrational decision bound to plunge the whole nation into a terrible health crisis,” said Nyong’o.
The ODM Governor went on to say it was wrong for the government to make such a decision without consulting county governments since health is a devolved function.
“At the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) we have three (3) Cuban doctors: an oncologist, a dermatologist, and a cardiologist. Where are we going to find replacements for these doctors?” he posed.
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Governor Nyong’o observed that the government should have replaced the Cuban doctors before ending the arrangement with them.
“May I plead with the Kenya Kwanza government to rescind this decision,” Nyong’o continued.
His statement comes days after Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha said the government will not be renewing its contract with Cuban doctors in a move to to harness all the efforts around the local workforce.
“I am pleased to announce that we shall not be renewing the agreement for the Cuban doctors because I want to believe that our very own are going to be committed to the course,” said Nakhumicha.
Kenya entered into an agreement with Cuba in 2017 where Cuban doctors would come into the country to offer help in hospitals while Kenyan doctors would go to Cuba for specialized training.
