Doctors vow to stay put as strike enters third day

By TITUS TOO

A doctors’ strike at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) Eldoret entered its third day with the medics vowing not to resume duty until their grievances are fully addressed.

The medics under the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPPU) said the industrial action would compel the Government to act on their demands. KMPPU Eldoret chapter secretary-general Richard Mogeni yesterday said only nurses were on duty.

Dr Mogeni termed the situation ‘critical’ and said operations at the theatre and ICU may be affected.

He told The Standard they were yet to be contacted by the hospital management and the Government.

However, MTRH director John Kibosia could not comment on the matter as he said he was in a meeting.

Mogeni said they are still holding meetings to deliberate further on the strike that started on Monday.

“It seems the Government does not care about the services rendered by doctors. It is up to the Government and administration to address the issues we have raised,” said Mogeni.

KMPPU wants doctors at MTRH to be promoted to their deserved job groups and also their salaries harmonised like other public servants.

They are also demanding improved house and commuter allowances like what is paid to their counterparts at the Kenyatta National Hospital.

On Monday, Dr Kibosia managed to convince nurses and employees of other cadres to resume their duties, saying their concerns will be addressed under a newly agreed CBA.

They had issued a strike notice to MTRH on August 2 demanding improvement of their allowances.