×
The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.
  • Standard Group Plc HQ Office,
  • The Standard Group Center,Mombasa Road.
  • P.O Box 30080-00100,Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Telephone number: 0203222111, 0719012111
  • Email: [email protected]

Alarm at health facilities over doctors’ resignations

By RENSON MNYAMWEZI

The resignation of three doctors at public hospitals in Taita Taveta County is causing alarm within the personnel-starved public facilities.

Three medical doctors, including a dentist have so far resigned putting local hospitals in trouble.

The worst hit health facilities are Wesu and Taveta Level Four hospitals. The reason for the resignations are not known but reports indicate the doctors are unhappy with the working conditions under county governments.

On March 3, Wesu hospital received a major blow after a doctor resigned in unclear circumstances, bringing to two the number of medics who had quit the institution in the recent past.

The medic allegedly resigned moments after the county government initiated disciplinary action against health officials at Wesu following the death of an expectant woman at the hospital although he has not been linked to that problem.

The County Director of Health Services John Logedi confirmed the latest resignation.

“It is true that the doctor has resigned and the case should not be linked to the incident in which an expectant woman died in the hospital,” he said.

“The doctor has resigned from the civil service and is now looking for greener pastures. He had only served for two years since he was posted to the hospital after internship,” said Dr Logedi.

Speaking to The Counties  recently, the director said the region had been rocked by resignations of medical personnel.

“This is not a surprise and people have the freedom to move around to look for greener pastures.  Several resignations happened before devolution took effect in the country,” he noted.

Another doctor resigned in Taveta district late last year. At Wesu, a dental unit was closed after the only dentist resigned also late last year hence paralysing dental services at the facility.

Cripple services

Authorities say Wesu hospital requires two more doctors, four clinic officers and 33 nurses.

Officials note that the latest resignation would cripple service delivery at the facility.

“Health services have been slow in local health facilities. We need more health workers to help improve service delivery to the public,” added Logedi.

Apart from staff shortage, the facility lacks anti-venom and rabid drugs, among others.

Werugha ward representative Jason Tuja warned that scores of medical personnel from up-country had threatened to resign over what they term as intimidation by locals.

“Five nurses have told me that they will quit Wesu hospital because the working environment is not conducive for them,”  claimed Tuja.

Investigations also revealed that some of the medical personnel do not want to be supervised by the county government owing to intimidation by authorities.

Related Topics


.

Trending Now

.

Popular this week