Patients transfer to private facilities as health workers’ strike persists

Health facilities in Meru county remained paralysed for the second day yesterday as workers sustained their strike protesting  delayed salaries.

The health practitioners marched to Meru county headquarters seeking audience with Governor Kiraitu Murungi as they vowed to continue with the strike until their dues are paid in full.

Through Kenya Union of Nurses branch chair Mugambi Bakari, the workers said they have not received July salaries.

“We cannot continue to offer services. It is unfortunate that innocent patients will continue to suffer but there is nothing we can do because we are also suffering,” said Bakari.

This has forced several patients to transfer from Meru Level Five Hospital to private hospitals.

“Since morning nobody has attended to me. We are calling on county government to urgently pay the nurses so that they can resume work and help us,” said Silas Kanyinga, a patient.

Kiraitu assured them that his government will ensure they receive their dues by next week.