The Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has warned that there are no spaces left within Intensive Care Units (ICUs) across the country.
Acting Secretary General/CEO Chibanzi Mwachonda has urged all members of the public and the political leadership to adhere to COVID-19 protocols to enhance the safety of Healthcare workers.
During a Press conference on Tuesday, Mwachonda said, “The rising numbers of COVID-19 infections have not spared healthcare workers. 10 doctors are currently admitted to various hospitals yet we are at a point where we need many doctors in the counties.”
He pointed out that the country is at the tipping point of the pandemic and the union has highly concerned after noting the general state of laxity in adherence to COVID-19 measures in the country.
According to Mwachonda, the rising number of COVID-19 infections will lead to a high caseload thereby overwhelming the already stretched healthcare system, given that ICU units and personnel to handle severe COVID-19 cases are inadequate.
“The counties are the weakest link to the COVID-19 response,” he said.
The acute shortage of doctors across the country is detrimental to health services delivery amidst the pandemic.
March 2021 has recorded an increase in healthcare workers COVID-19 infection, indicating the need for extra precaution by members of the public seeking healthcare services in hospitals, said Mwachonda.
He added, “We urge the Ministry of health and National Treasury to fast-track the contract renewal process of the 156 hired to work in isolation and treatment centers across the country. County governments should address grievances at the workplace to avoid industrial unrest and provision of PPEs.”
According to the KMPDU boss, non-involvement, weak sensitization and awareness amongst healthcare workers has resulted low uptake and hesitancy in vaccination. However, expressed support for the vaccine roll-out.
“The ministry of health and county governments should scale up training and risk communication and education to tackle vaccine hesitancy through the healthcare workers representative bodies,” said Mwachonda.
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