- Embu County Assembly supports Governor Mbarire’s move to replace striking medics temporarily
- Local leaders urge dialogue, caution against disruptive strikes, and advocate for new health worker recruitment
- Governor Mbarire’s administration takes proactive measures, including locum staff and security enhancements
The County Assembly of Embu has expressed its backing for Governor Cecily Mbarire’s initiative to replace striking medics temporarily with locum staff, ensuring the uninterrupted provision of public health services.
Embu doctors after a press release
Chairman of the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists Dentists Union (KMPDU), Dr. Denis Mugambi, declared a strike on Tuesday, posing a threat to health services. Governor Mbarire, however, took proactive measures by introducing a team of locum tenens physicians to avert a potential crisis.
Governor Mbarire emphasized her commitment to engaging in consultative dialogue with the medical practitioners’ trade unionists to address their grievances. Yet, she asserted her willingness to take decisive administrative action if the medical personnel persisted in their strike.
Ward Representatives, led by Speaker Josiah Thiriku, urged the striking health workers to abandon threats of disrupting county hospital operations and instead join negotiations for an amicable resolution to their concerns.
Speaker Thiriku cautioned against holding the county hostage through strikes, and Majority Leader Peter Murithi ‘Kobole’ warned against arm-twisting the County Government.
Murithi advocated for roundtable talks to resolve issues affecting the medical profession, highlighting the potential undesirable outcomes of taking hardline stances.
Health Committee Chairman Job Itumo urged the striking doctors to resume duties while their trade unions engage in discourse with the County Government to break the stalemate affecting the county’s health sector.
During a press briefing at Embu Level Five Hospital, leaders collectively called for the dismissal of striking medical personnel if they refused to return to work.
They favored the recruitment of new health workers over prolonged strikes, emphasizing the availability of numerous jobless health professionals eager to fill vacant positions.
Finance Committee Chairperson Susan Wairimu acknowledged the County Government’s willingness to address doctors’ concerns, including promotions, recruitment drives, clearing arrears, and improving working conditions. However, she noted the county’s economic challenges, requiring more time for comprehensive solutions.
Presently, the County Government relies on 10 contract doctors and private clinical officers engaged on a locum basis to mitigate the impact of the strike.
Governor Mbarire’s administration has also redeployed Health Promotion Officers to nursing duties and recalled healthcare workers on leave to maintain service levels.
Enhanced security measures are in place across all public health facilities to prevent disruptions caused by the ongoing strike.
