Doctors in Siaya County began a strike on Monday, demanding that the government honor a collective bargaining agreement and address long-standing issues regarding promotions, health insurance, and staffing shortages in the region’s healthcare system.
The industrial action was declared by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union, Nyanza branch, at the Siaya County Referral Hospital. Dr. Steve Ndong’a, chairman of the union’s Nyanza branch, accused the Siaya County government of neglecting its commitments to medical professionals who have been tirelessly serving the community.
“The county government has failed to implement the agreed-upon promotions and re-designations for our specialist doctors and medical professionals,” Ndong’a said. “The last time these doctors were promoted was in 2018, long before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Ndong’a also highlighted a critical issue that has fueled the strike: the absence of comprehensive health insurance for healthcare workers.
“The absence of a comprehensive health insurance plan for our healthcare workers is a grave concern,” he stated.
“Our members work under strenuous conditions, and they risk their health daily. It is imperative that they are provided with adequate health coverage to protect their well-being.”
The lack of adequate health insurance, according to the union, is compounded by severe understaffing at medical facilities across the county.
Ndong’a warned that the shortage of personnel has placed significant strain on the existing workforce, affecting the quality of care available to the public.
The strike, according to Ndong’a, is the result of unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issues through dialogue.
“This industrial action is our last resort,” he said. “We have exhausted all diplomatic channels, and now we are left with no option but to take this action to demand the respect and support we deserve.”
Dr. Ndong’a called for the immediate intervention of the county government to fulfill its obligations, emphasizing that without a resolution, the doctors are prepared to continue the strike for an extended period.
“We are prepared for a long strike should the county government fail to meet our demands,” he said. “We urge the public to stand with us in this fight for justice and better healthcare services for all.”
This strike comes amid ongoing concerns about the state of Kenya’s healthcare system, which has struggled with shortages of medical professionals and inadequate funding. In Siaya, the situation is exacerbated by the county government’s failure to address the growing demands for better working conditions and fair compensation for its healthcare workers.
The KMPDU is urging both the public and the local government to understand the gravity of the situation, noting that the strike is not just about fair treatment for doctors but also about improving the overall healthcare services available to the residents of Siaya County.
