Health: Brace for harsh times ahead

 Medics in Embu County have issued a seven-day strike notice citing delay in release of their salaries for two months.

Denis Mugambi, Chairman, Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Upper Eastern Region said the medics have also stagnated in their current job groups for over 10 years without promotion.

 Dr Mugambi lamented that doctors offering specialized services have been serving in job group M which is for the interns

He noted that the county government  has not been remitting their statutory deductions to the relevant bodies.

He said this has left many of the doctors’ property auctioned after they defaulted in bank loans payment which has adversely affected them.

On covid 19 allowances for the doctors, Mugambi said it is yet to be paid by the Embu county government adding that other neighbouring counties have paid their medics.

On car and mortgage loans, the chairman noted the medics have been denied the loans citing that the loans have been given to the executives only.

His counterpart, Elvis Mwandiki, Secretary, KMPDU Upper Eastern Region, over 90 doctors in Embu have been affected however noted the other counties in the region which include Meru, Isiolo, Marsabit and Tharaka Nithi have responded well to the plight of their medics adding that Meru county has effected promotions for its doctors.

Mwandiki faulted the Embu county government for ignoring the plight of the doctors despite their frequent effort to have them addressed.

He said they have written frequently with no response and held meetings which are fruitless adding that the medics are left with no alternative other than striking.

The medics said they are concerned with the plight of their patients but have no other alternative other than withdrawing their labour until their plight are addressed.