The health unions are at it again.
Yesterday, several unions indicated they may strike in the next 14 days if county governments fail to address several grievances.
Some of the complaints revolve around delayed payment of salaries, lack of medical covers and failure to remit statutory deductions.
In a joint statement, the unions outlined the challenges facing health workers.
“For instance, medical personnel in Meru, Machakos, West Pokot, Kakamega, Nairobi, Embu, Samburu, Taita Taveta, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kisumu, Nyamira, Mombasa, Kajiado, Migori, Trans Nzoia, Vihiga, and Bungoma counties have not been paid in the last three months,” said the unions in the statement read by Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) secretary general Dr Davji Atellah (pictured).
The unions noted that this was impacting their ability to provide essential services.
KMPDU was joined by the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers, Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives, Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers, Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union, Kenya National Union of Pharmaceutical Technologists and Officers, and Kenya Union of Nutritionists and Dietitians.
Further, according to the unions, most healthcare workers have been grappling with meagre salaries despite the government’s initial promise that it would raise their pay.
“These salary delays have caused untold suffering among healthcare workers across several counties. These workers are unable to pay their rent, fuel their cars or even pay their daily utilities,” the unions claimed.
“We are saying that we will not continue to see our workers in these counties straining to go to work while their salaries and welfare are ignored.”
The health officials also demanded that all health workers get medical insurance, citing risks associated with their duties.
Failure by several counties to provide comprehensive medical coverage to healthcare personnel and to remit third-party deductions such as bank loans, sacco contributions, pension and union dues, and NHIF payments.
“All counties must procure proper medical cover for healthcare workers,” the unions said.
“This must be done within the next 14 days to ensure healthcare workers have access to the care they need. Counties in arrears must settle all outstanding salaries within the next 14 days.”
