Medical services at county run health facilities within Uasin Gishu County might soon be disrupted. following a 21-day strike notice issued by doctors in the county .
Addressing a media briefing in Eldoret town, Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) national Secretary General Devji Attela said all their members will down their tools unless the county addresses a number of issues. KMPDU accused Uasin Gishu County of failing to adhere to a Collective Bargaining Agreement that they both signed by subjecting medical consultants to poor pay.
The union also decried shortage of doctors at the county facilities that has forced locals to seek services at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. In addition, the doctors’ union revealed that it had moved to court to challenge a decision by the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet to reduce their members salary by half.
Concerning the newly rolled out National Hospital Insurance Scheme, Dr Atella expressed d concerns over the welfare of their members under the new model. He said the government must ensure doctors are under a comprehensive health coverage as it has been the case in the National Hospital Insurance Fund.
On Monday, the KMPDU leadership convened a meeting with doctors from Uasin-Gishu county, MTRH (Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital), and MOI University to address pressing concerns affecting members.