Public hospitals hit as Embu doctors go on strike

A major crisis looms in public hospitals in Embu County, after doctors kicked off their strike, protesting shortage of doctors, lack of promotions and political interference.

The doctors said they would not resume duty until the county government employs adequate personnel and promotes the existing ones.

Through their union, Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) the medics said Embu which has a population of over 600,000, had only 60 doctors, with about 10 of them in management positions, hampering service delivery.

Union Secretary General Dr Ouma Oluga said the county had a shortage of at least 96 medical doctors and specialists to bridge the gap, with Embu Level Five hospital, being the hardest hit with only 19 doctors while it required at least 50.

He said the county has only one physician, radiologist, psychiatrist, anaesthesiologist and pathologist.

The World Health Organisation recommends a ratio of one doctor to 1,000 patients.

Addressing the press at Izaak Walton Inn on Wednesday, Dr Oluga said the county government has not employed new doctors for the past two years.

He said the number has been dwindling day by day as doctors resign and others move to different health institutions due to intimidation.

He said that the shortage has led to the practitioners being over worked thus violating their rights as workers.

Dr Oluga also accused the county government of deploying medics based on their ethnicity, where more experienced qualified doctors have been redeployed at health facilities which don’t have equipment.

According to Dr Mark Ndungu, Upper Eastern region KMPDU secretary, doctors have been leaving the county due to frustration and seeking new greener pastures in private facilities.

He said that doctors working at Embu health facilities cannot go on leave since the health sector will ground to a halt and their pleas with the county to address the concern have fallen on deaf ears.

Dr Ndung’u noted that the county has continued to construct new departments and structures at the various health facilities without employing more health workers.

They have also cautioned politicians especially Embu and Machakos governors who have been accused of intimidating and disrespecting health workers in their respective counties.