Crisis in Health sector as 1,800 doctors quit

Kenya: Over 1,800 doctors have quit public service since health functions were devolved and their union now warns the number could rise.

According to the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), a crisis is unraveling in the health sector where workers’ grievances are yet to be resolved.

KMPDU Secretary General Oluga Ouma claimed some of their members had not received their salaries.

“Having 1,800 doctors resigning in one year alone is worse and the situation can only be prevented if the Government implements the agreement we had,” Ouma told the Press yesterday after a two-day retreat at the Lake Naivasha Resort in Nakuru.

He cited Lamu County where all doctors have resigned due to differences on their salaries and promotions.

NO APPLICATIONS

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“We are sending out a warning that if nothing is done to address the plight of doctors in the country, we will have no alternative other than withdraw our services in public hospitals,” he said.

“Lamu has only two doctors who are not registered in Kenya and we want the Government to investigate them and institute criminal proceedings against them,” he added.

He said other counties had advertised for doctors but had received no applications due to the current stand off over payments.

“Kajiado and Mandera counties received no applications after they advertised for positions in their hospitals and this situation is getting worse,” he said.

KMPDU Treasurer Daisy Korir said issues of salaries, promotions and trainings for doctors need to be addressed.