The welfare of health workers is paramount
What you need to know:
- They have a duty of care that enjoins them to serve all without discrimination.
- This is the reason they have to be well protected.
In his latest address, President Uhuru Kenyatta paid glowing tribute to health workers who are in the frontline in the fight against Covid-19. Previously, he had directed that they be paid risk allowance and be accorded medical insurance to cushion them against the adversities of the pandemic.
These workers are badly exposed to coronavirus because they are the first contact with the patients.
They have a duty of care that enjoins them to serve all without discrimination. This is the reason they have to be well protected.
Despite the government’s pledges, the situation on the ground is different. Health workers consistently complain about lack of support from both the national and county governments. In the first place, there are fewer health workers.
Second, those in service operate without adequate protective gear. Third, payment of the risk allowance is erratic.
Worse, some counties have not paid out the allowances at all. Fourth, the workers do not have access to health insurance as well as socio-psychological support. In short, these professionals are operating with a lot of difficulties.
New evidence now indicates that several health workers are bearing the brunt of Covid-19. At least eight professionals have died while more than 600 have been infected. The impact of this grave.
Several health facilities have been shut or reduced operations because their workers have been infected. In a number of counties, health professionals have issued strike notice unless their employers resolve their grievances.
Put into perspective, the country is staring at a major crisis. With infections rising by the day, the health system is likely to be overwhelmed. But this bound to get worse if medical professionals boycott work.
A lot of cash has been allocated to the Health ministry to respond to the pandemic, yet it has not benefitted the medical professionals who risk their lives to save others.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe and governors should address the plight of health workers urgently. When at war, the best thing to do is to keep the soldiers motivated and charged.
