Time running out for striking doctors as government plays hardball
Doctors in public hospitals seem to be running out of options of ending their strike following a government directive to withdrew an earlier offer of a 50 percent pay rise.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Council of Governors on Tuesday ordered all striking doctors to resume work immediately and directed counties to take action on all medics who defy the order.
On Friday, Nairobi City Hall reported that several doctors in Nairobi County have already resumed work.
According to City Hall, doctors in various hospitals in Nairobi, including Mama Lucy, Pumwani, Mutuini and Mbagathi, had by Friday reported to their work stations.
GOVERNMENT DIRECTIVE
Speaking to Nairobi News, the county executive, Dr Bernard Muia, said that they expect more doctors back at work following the government directive.
“Doctors want to serve Kenyans but the threats they are receiving from the union on social media and calls is causing panic,” said Dr Muia.
However, the county executive said that security has been beefed up in most hospitals for the safety of the doctors who are willing to resume work.
Nairobi News has also established that doctors from Makueni County have resumed duty and are offering their services.
This comes at a time when the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) is said to be seeking ways to reopen negotiations with the government over the strike.
