Nakhumicha blames ‘cartels’ as over 200 Central Kenya doctors join strike on day 10

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha is now accusing cartels in government of sponsoring the ongoing doctors’ strike which entered its 10th day countrywide on Saturday.

This as the leadership of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists' Union (KMPDU) rallied over 200 doctors from Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Nyandarua and Murang’a counties in joining the ongoing strike.

The medics, speaking while attending the Annual General Meeting for the KMPDU Central Branch in Kirinyaga County, vowed to extend the industrial action until their demands are fulfilled.

“We have unanimously agreed to continue with the strike until all our demands are met. We don't fear whether we will extend to 100, 200 or 300 days,” said KMPDU National Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah.

In Nairobi, the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society warned of a looming healthcare disaster in the country if the government fails to honour the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The society President Kireki Omanwa said: “It is a sad situation because if you look at what is happening to our expectant women, it’s not good. The expectant women will be handled by unprofessional and inexperienced persons. This is a catastrophe, if you don’t have doctors and interns working, it is a serious problem.”

But even as doctors stay put, CS Nakhumicha who was in Trans Nzoia County on Friday blamed the woes surrounding the health sector including the ongoing doctors’ strike on cartels.

“Saa hii mimi nimefanya kazi ya afya sasa wameanza kunionea wivu wanaleta nyenyenye...wale cartels walikuwa KEMSA na NHIF ndio wanasponsor maandamano,” she stated.

With no end in sight and failed talks between government and medics, it appears patients seeking services in public hospitals will continue to suffer.