State not keen on ending standoff, says union

By ROSELYNE OBALA

Kenya: Striking health workers have told both the National Government and county governors to stop engaging in sideshows and instead address the crisis in the sector.

They demanded proper legislation of health functions to facilitate and clearly define health facilities under the county and national governments, procurement of drugs, personnel enrolment and research, among others.

Union officials representing public hospital employees argued that they were opposed to working in a lawless situation even as the Transition Authority (TA), the body mandated to oversee devolved functions, is expected to issue a statement on the matter today.

The Devolution ministry is also expected to voice its concern on the matter upon the return of Cabinet Secretary Ann Waiguru from abroad.

TA chairman Kinuthia Wamwangi told The Standard that a meeting involving all commissioners had been organised to deliberate on the standoff.

“We will be meeting to discuss the present situation in the health sector as it is now a national disaster. We are also scheduled to prevail upon President Uhuru Kenyatta to intervene on the matter, “he said.

Wamwangi said they were going to urge the President to invite key stakeholders in a bid to find a lasting solution.

The Kenya National Union of Nurses, Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and Kenya Health Professionals Union have confirmed that they are ready to give dialogue a chance. “We hit a stalemate on this matter after a meeting with governors and another with the National Assembly’s Health committee,” disclosed KMPDU Secretary General Sultani Matendechero.

He, nevertheless, warned that positions being taken by key stakeholders in resolving the standoff would only worsen the situation.

“We are facing a serious crisis as the industrial action continues. Patients on anti-retroviral treatment have not been attended to since the strike began,” he said.

The withdrawal of services by medical practitioners sparked concern from various quarters, including the entral Organistation of Trade Unions, legislators and religious leaders as patients continue to die in various facilities.

Matendechero noted health practitioners were not happy with the present state of affairs in the sector.

He cautioned that their work is very sensitive and therefore they will not engage in a political contest with governors.

“We are not going to be combative in addressing this matter in the media; we are trying our best to have a breakthrough, however, governors should stop massaging their egos as it is not warranted at the moment,” stated Matendechero in reference to position taken by governors and Health Cabinet Secretary James Macharia to withhold salaries of striking medics and hire new employees.

He added, “We are not going to allow ourselves to be held accountable if the health sector collapses. Let the two levels of governments address our concerns.”

He took issue with the definition of national and county hospitals by governors, reiterating that primary health services to be devolved are those inherited from the defunct local authorities, dispensaries and health centres.

He faulted Macharia and governors over their reference to the County Government Act as the law governing the transfer of functions.