Health workers demo over blocked pay

Nineteen health workers in Moyale Sub-County Hospital yesterday staged a protest outside the facility after learning that the county government had withheld their January salaries.

The county government blocked the salaries of the health workers over claims of absenteeism and absconding duty.

Marsabit County Health Director Dr Adano Kochi, said the affected health workers had failed to report to work for no good reason.

“We are receiving information that some facilities are closed for a week. There were also reports of chronic absenteeism,” he said.

Dr Kochi assured those on annual leave that they will receive their salaries by next week.

“Those on leave will not be victimised,” he told The Standard on Saturday on phone.

Moyale sub-county administrator Ambrose Harugura, confirmed that salaries of 19 health workers had been frozen over absenteeism.

He assured those who were genuinely on leave that they would receive their monies, but those who absconded duty will face disciplinary action.

But the health staff dismissed the allegations and maintained they were being victimised for no reason.

“Majority of us were on annual leave and have the valid documents to prove it. This is pure intimidation,” a nurse who sought anonymity said.

The health workers also said they received frequent threats and harassment from senior health officers.

“The senior health officers always come to the facility and level unfounded accusations against workers,” said the nurse.

The aggrieved staff further claimed that there are no promotions, staff morale was at an all time low, and there were no crucial medical equipments at the hospital. Kochi dismissed claims of intimidation and threats among health workers and maintained that the county was committed to providing quality health services to wananchi.

Kochi further said the county provisions of equipment at Moyale Hospital had improved significantly over the years.

The affected staff are from laboratory, pharmacy, nursing and clinical departments.

Other workers at the facility have now vowed to join their colleagues if the matter is not resolved immediately.