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Health CS Susan Nakhumicha pleads with health workers amid threat of strike

By Elizabeth Ngigi September 12th, 2023 2 min read

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has pleaded with healthcare workers to adopt a spirit of dialogue in resolving issues affecting the health sector.

Speaking on TV47 on September 11, 2023, the CS emphasized that constructive dialogue is key to addressing grievances within the healthcare profession.

Highlighting the importance of healthcare workers engaging in discussions, Nakhumicha acknowledged the healthcare sector faces numerous challenges, and only through meaningful dialogue can these issues be effectively resolved.

Nakhumicha also called upon the recently introduced Human Resource Advisory Council to provide recommendations on how to harmonize the welfare of healthcare workers throughout the country.

She recognized that health services are a devolved function in Kenya, which has led to variations in the terms of engagement and treatment of healthcare workers in different counties.

“I urge healthcare workers, who are integral to our nation, to refrain from issuing threats and instead be willing to engage in discussions that can chart a way forward,” said Nakhumicha during the interview.

“The healthcare workers are employed by different counties, and as such, there are challenges due to differing terms of engagement and treatment. We would like the Human Resources Advisory Council to provide recommendations on harmonizing these terms and ensuring equitable treatment across all counties,” she added.

These calls for dialogue come amid plans by doctors to stage a peaceful procession in Nairobi to present a petition addressing various issues in the health sector.

The procession is scheduled to commence at Kenyatta National Hospital and proceed to the Ministry of Health before concluding at the Council of Governors’ offices.

Among the top priorities on the agenda is a plea to the government to undertake comprehensive reforms aimed at revitalizing and strengthening the healthcare infrastructure.

The Secretary-General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union, Davji Atellah, emphasized that the healthcare system in the country is facing a crisis characterized by a continuous decline in the quality of healthcare services provided.

“At present, there is a severe shortage of drugs, medical equipment, reagents, and functional amenities, leaving overburdened doctors with the task of merely certifying death,” Davji Atellah said.

In addition to the call for healthcare infrastructure reforms, healthcare workers are advocating for equal opportunities and dignified employment within the sector.

Their collective efforts aim to address the pressing issues faced by healthcare professionals and improve the quality of healthcare services across the nation.

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