Summary:
Doctors in Busia County are on the brink of resuming a strike if the local leadership does not swiftly address their persisting concerns. In a recent meeting with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU), doctors highlighted issues such as underemployment, lack of promotions, and insufficient equipment in county hospitals. The union’s legal team is actively challenging a court injunction that ordered the doctors back to work after a recent go-slow. The situation remains tense, with doctors asserting their readiness to take industrial action once again.
In a crucial meeting held on Saturday, doctors in Busia County, organized under the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU), discussed the looming possibility of another strike. The meeting, led by Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah and Deputy Dr. Dennis Miskellah, underscored the urgent need for the county’s leadership to address longstanding grievances.
Dr. Atellah, speaking to newsrooms after the meeting, emphasized the ongoing legal battle the union faces. A court injunction had compelled the doctors to end their recent go-slow, but the union’s legal team is actively contesting this order. The crux of the matter revolves around the inadequate employment opportunities for doctors, the absence of promotions, and the dire lack of essential equipment in county hospitals.
A key point of discussion centered on the legal challenges regarding the suspended industrial action on promotions. Dr. Atellah highlighted the union’s legal team’s proactive efforts in addressing the injustices perpetrated by the county government. These include the refusal to promote doctors, address critical staff shortages, and employ medical professionals on fair terms.
The meeting also shed light on the deplorable working conditions in hospitals, with a shortage of medical supplies and drugs posing a substantial risk to patients. Dr. Atellah made it clear that a resurgence of the industrial action is imminent if the Busia County government persists in its adversarial stance.
Conclusion:
The ultimatum issued by Busia County doctors marks a critical juncture in the ongoing dialogue between medical practitioners and local authorities. The pressing need for comprehensive reforms to ensure the well-being of both doctors and patients in Busia County cannot be overstated. As the union’s legal battle continues, the specter of another strike looms large, underscoring the urgency for a swift and amicable resolution to the grievances at hand. The coming days will undoubtedly be pivotal in determining the course of healthcare in Busia County.
