Crisis in public hospitals as Clinical Officers join ongoing doctors' strike

The strike has caused a standstill in services at Level 2 to 5 hospitals nationwide, exacerbating the already dire situation caused by the ongoing doctor's strike.

At the Igegania Level Four hospital in Gatundu North constituency, a palpable silence greets those seeking health services. Jacinta Wanjiku, attending her prenatal clinic, expresses uncertainty, saying, "Nashindwa nitafanya nini," as she contemplates the impact of the strike on her delivery plans.

Jacinta isn't alone in her plight. Patients across the country find themselves unattended, amplifying concerns amid the clinical officers' strike. 

Jane Mumbi, frustrated by the lack of medical attention, shares, "Nilikuja hapa asubuhi, nimekaa hapa zaidi ya lisaa limoja sijaona daktari," while Kimani Gachihi, an administrator, laments, "Kwa hii hospitali hakuna watu tunachukua wa kulazwa. Ukienda kwa wadi ya wamama ya wazee hakuna wagonjwa kwa sababu hatuna madaktari."

Meanwhile, Henry Asiago, who traveled from Kisii to Kericho for a scheduled hernia operation at Kapkatet Hospital, finds himself in limbo.

 "Nimeshangaa sana, kufika hapa sioni daktari, naona tu watu katika ma ofisi zingine, lakini hakuna daktari," he remarks, illustrating the plight of many affected by the strike.

The strike's repercussions extend beyond individual cases, impacting public health facilities nationwide.

 Citizens express frustration, with one stating, "Hii mgomo imetuathiri sana, tunataka serikali ituonyeshe mambo tutafanya aje."

As hospitals struggle to cope, clinical officers' union leaders met with PS for Health Mary Muthoni and senior Ministry of Health officials on Monday to address their concerns. 

However, doctors, who initiated their strike nearly three weeks ago, remain resolute in their stance, emphasizing the need for their grievances to be addressed comprehensively.

Dr. Davji Atellah announces plans for a demonstration in Kisumu on Tuesday, rallying medics from Kakamega and Kisumu counties.