Trans Nzoia health workers accuse the County of negligence
By David Musundi, July 25, 2020
Health workers in Trans Nzoia County have accused their county government of neglecting their colleagues who tested positive for Covid 19.
The medics said they fear for the wellbeing of their colleagues who have been told to self isolate while undergoing treatment in their homes, posing a health risk to their families.
“The fact that Trans Nzoia is not divulging reported positive cases to the national tally is a big concern since most of us are unknowingly exposed,” said the region’s Kenya National Union of Nurses secretary Willy Sifuna.
They said they are facing it rough while discharging their duties since they have no adequate supply of personal protective equipment with all supplies being allocated to the under construction teaching and referral hospital.
“We are surprised that the Doctors Plaza which was recently refurbished is not serving its purpose of managing healthcare providers who come in contact with Covid 19 patients,” said Mr. Sifuna.
The chairman of the region’s Kenya Union of Clinical Officers Geoffrey Nyongesa said the county government called for an end to salary delays.
“Health care service providers in Trans Nzoia are subjected to poor working conditions by a system which does not value our critical role. We want better terms,” said Mr. Nyongesa.
Area Governor Patrick Khaemba blamed the challenge of inadequate supply of personal protective equipment and other non-pharmaceuticals on inefficiencies by the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA).
“KEMSA has been a big let down to us since they take time to service our orders and when they do so, they deliver a fraction of what we request for at a high cost,” said Governor Khaemba.
The chairman of the Trans Nzoia County government workers union Samuel Kiboi said all workers will down their tools if there are no measures to protect them from contracting the virus.