The unresolved plight of medics and other healthcare workers has forced doctors to give the government 21-day nationwide strike ultimatum.
The doctors under the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) are demanding that the government provides standard and adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to all Healthcare workers in all private and public health facilities.
KMPDU SG Chibanzi Mwachonda said, “We will be available for any engagement within those three weeks' failure to which we will have no choice but to rally our members for our nationwide strike.”
Infections among healthcare workers have increased exponentially. Over 30 workers have succumbed to the disease.
“It is our lives first. It will not be business as usual. Doctors’ lives matter, ” Mwachonda added.
The union held a national Advisory Council meeting to deliberate on the safety of healthcare workers following the rise in infections and deaths.
On Saturday four Healthcare workers died of Covid-19. To date, ten succumbed to the virus. The first to succumb was Dr. Doreen Lugaliki, an obstetrician-gynecologist.
Others who followed include Dr. Daniel Alushula, an orthopedic surgeon, Dr Ndambuki Mboloi, a pulmonologist, Dr. Vladimir Schuckin, a bariatric surgeon, Dr. Hudson Inyangala, a Public Health Specialist, Dr. Emarah Ashraf, a plastic surgeon, Dr. Robert Ayisi, a pediatrician, Dr. Hudson Alumera, a periodontal surgeon, Dr. Faith Mbuba, a pharmacist, and Dr. Jackline Njoroge, a Physician.
In the Sunday meeting the doctors also resolved that regardless of whether they work in public or private hospitals, the government should provide a comprehensive medical cover for all doctors.
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