Health workers boycott ‘unlawful’ headcount

By PATRICK KIBET and STEVE MKAWALE

Nakuru County: Health workers in Nakuru County have protested against an ongoing head-count by the county government.

The workers who had been directed to assemble at the provincial general hospital boycotted the exercise which they termed unconstitutional.

In a circular from the county government to medical superintendents and district medical officers on September 17, all health workers were instructed to participate in the head-count. The move is another blow to the national government’s efforts to devolve health care services as enshrined in the Constitution.

According to officials of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentist Union (KMPDU), the headcount would be contrary to a court process they have initiated in the High Court to challenge the move to place their members under the county governments.

The staffs under the Cabinet Secretary for Health are opposed to the move to have personnel emoluments for all health workers placed under the county governments before the formation of a Health Service Commission.

KMPDU South Rift branch secretary general Samuel Oroko said without clear structures and guidelines on remuneration and management of healthcare workforce at county level, health professionals would be discouraged from serving in county governments. “Hence expect mass exodus and brain haemorrhage to private sector and foreign counties,” Dr Oroko said.

Last Friday, health workers refused to submit their academic certificates, letters of appointment and copies of their payslips and identity cards to officials from the county government.

Against devolution

Health Workers Association Secretary Julius Nyambaka said they would boycott the head-count until legal guidance is given by the High Court.

“Only our employer is mandated to conduct the head-count. We are still employees of the Public Service Commission and not the county,” he said. “We have a case in the High Court against the Transition Authority and county governments. Let’s all wait for the court’s ruling on this matter before talking the next step,” Nyambaka said.

The staff count which is being carried out by officers from the county government is expected to end today with workers who fail to turn up facing unspecified action. “We are not against devolution, but we have important questions as to what is being devolved and how it is being carried out,” he added.