Health crisis looms in Coast as doctors leave public hospitals
PHOTO | FILE Dr Abidan Mwachi, the deputy secretary-general of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union, has warned that more doctors from various counties at the Coast were on the verge of resigning.
What you need to know:
- Some of the doctors have not bee paid this year. Most of the doctors who have resigned left district hospitals and have been seeking appointment at the Coast General Referral Hospital, which is managed by the national government.
- In Lamu County, the district hospital has three doctors who are on their way out. Three others resigned and one was allegedly kicked out by the county’s administration.
A major crisis has hit public hospitals in Coast after more than 25 health professionals resigned, accusing county leaders of harassment and interference, delayed salaries and a raft of other complaints against county governments.
Some of the doctors have not bee paid this year. Most of the doctors who have resigned left district hospitals and have been seeking appointment at the Coast General Referral Hospital, which is managed by the national government.
Although health services were among the functions that were devolved, doctors have, in the past, expressed their unwillingness to work under county governments.
An official of the doctors union yesterday warned that the situation could get worse if the 47 county governments fail to put more effort and resources to improve healthcare delivery.
Dr Abidan Mwachi, the deputy secretary-general of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union, told the Nation that more doctors from various counties at the Coast were on the verge of resigning.
He said that before devolution was introduced after last year’s General Election, healthcare providers used to receive their salaries between the 24th and 28th day of each month. This was no longer the case, and doctors have been suffering because their salaries are delayed, which also demotivates them.
LAMU COUNTY
In Lamu County, he said, the district hospital has three doctors who are on their way out. Three others resigned and one was allegedly kicked out by the county’s administration.
In Kilifi, the Malindi District Hospital had two paediatricians. One resigned while the other was posted to Mombasa, but has since left.
“The only paediatric surgeon in the Coast region, who was in Malindi hospital, is on his way out. He wants to come to Coast General. Three other general practitioners have resigned,” Dr Mwachi said.
At the Mariakani District Hospital, a medical superintendent resigned to pursue further education, while another who was working in Jibana and Mariakani resigned after he landed a job abroad.
In Kwale County, Dr Mwachi said the medical superintendent requested to be transferred and about three doctors from Msambweni District Hospital are holding onto their resignation letters.
“Doctors have not received their pay since January... They are just working because they feel like working and they are living close to the hospital. They are hopeful that things will be better,” he said.
THINGS WILL BE BETTER
The Taveta District Hospital in Taita Taveta County has only one doctor who will be leaving for further studies in a few months.
In Port Reitz District Hospital, a doctor left five others to cater for the Jomvu and Changamwe constituents.
He also said some doctors have approached retirement age and some are considering retiring early to go into private practice.
Coast region needs 3,000 healthcare providers to improve the ratio of doctors to patients and provide better healthcare services to the public, the doctor said.
