The Ministry of Health has suspended salary payments of approximately 250 employees for failure to declare their wealth.

Subsequently, all staff members of the Ministry across the country have been directed to file their personal information  pertaining to  their employment by Tuesday next week to avoid being caught up in a similar situation.

This was revealed at Afya House yesterday when the Department of Medical Services embarked on a headcount for its staff across the country.

Initial indications are hundreds of staff members, including the striking doctors, are likely to be laid off as they are deemed to have absconded duty.

“The Ministry is urging all staff to submit paperwork by April 7, to avoid salary disruptions and potential disciplinary measures,” Harry Kimtai (above), the Principal Secretary, Medical Services said, in an indication there could be a drive of ghost workers in the public health sector.

New findings reveal discrepancies at Mathari National Referral and Teaching Hospital and the Spinal facilities, where personnel listed on the payroll were found to be deployed elsewhere.

“The significance of compliance is not optional, as non-compliance may result in being deemed absent from duty,” pointed out the PS, in what sounded like some punitive measures may be enforced. He was speaking at Afya House where the Ministry kicked off a comprehensive headcount to realign its staff with the recently approved structure by the Public Service Commission (PSC).