Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya yesterday threatened to sack the over 400 striking  health workers, if they do not return to work within 24 hours.

Speaking to journalists yesterday at Kwale Sub-county hospital, Mvurya (pictured) said he had ordered a head-count for health workers in all the county hospitals and those who shall have not reported to work will have to give a good explanation, failure to which they will be sacked.

“A head count is on in all the hospitals and I want to tell all the health workers who have not reported to work that it will not be business as usual” Mvurya warned.

Salary arrears

He said the county government does not owe the workers any salary arrears since they are paid each month.

Mvurya also said they have already assured the health workers that all issues relating to salary arrears and promotions will be sorted out by February 20 and wondered why they went ahead to paralyse services in the health facilities.

He insisted that all health workers must return to work without fail in 24 hours or risk losing their jobs: “Patients are suffering in hospitals, the striking health workers risk losing their jobs if they don’t report to work.”

The health workers commenced their strike on Tuesday this week complaining about myriad issues.