Cotu supports calls to revert health services to national government

Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli at a past event. PHOTO | TOM OTIENO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Francis Atwoli said the health sector is facing many challenges since it was devolved to counties.
  • He said medical personnel are resigning from county health facilities due to poor pay.

The Central Organisation of Trade Unions has supported calls to have health services be reverted back to the National government.

The union Secretary General Francis Atwoli said the health sector has been facing many challenges since it was devolved.

“Let us revisit the constitution and look for amendments that are necessary including the devolved health system,” he said.

He said some governors have demonstrated that “they cannot handle” the health docket given the countless strikes by medics.

Speaking at a Naivasha hotel on Thursday evening, during a retreat organised by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), Mr Atwoli said the challenges in the health sector can only be solved by the national government.

“There are things that you can devolve, but you cannot devolve health,” said Mr Atwoli.

Speaking at the same forum, the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacist and Dentist Union (KMPDU) Secretary General, Dr Oluga Ouma said salaries of the health workers should be paid by the the national government.

“The governor can be left to manage the physical infrastructure, equipment and other serviced but medical personnel be put under the national government payroll,” he said.

He said medical personnel are resigning from county health facilities due to poor pay.

“If pushed to the wall, we shall be left with no alternative but to withdraw our services from the county government and paralyse health services in public hospitals,” he said.