Public Health Officers To Join Doctors In The Ongoing Strike
Unions representing public health officers in the country have issued a seven day strike notice after which all members will go on strike to join doctors in the ongoing strike.
Following today’s notice, the public health officers are set to start their from 16th of April 2024.
The unions comprising of the The Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union (KEHPHPU), The Kenya National Union of Pharmaceutical Technologist Officers (KNUPT) and The Kenya National Union of Nutritionists and Dietitians (KUNAD) said that they had earlier issued a seven day demand notice that was not honoured by the government and Ministry of Health.
Public Health workers To Join Doctors In The Ongoing Strike
The demand seeks for fair treatment and payment of all members including posting and paying of interns, immediate recognition and absorption of their union members.
KEHPHPU General Secretary Mr Brown Achira said on Tuesday 9th April while speaking to a press conference that they are the only three unions whose members are still at work and they are to stop soon.
“We want the government to sign the recognition agreement and it is non-monetary,” said Mr Achira.
KNUP General Secretary Mr Elias Mutuma stated that the government should focus and set priorities as health is more important.
“The government may build houses, roads and offer job opportunities to people but who will benefit if they are all sick or dead,” stated Mr. Mutuma.
KUNAD General Secretary Mr. Michael Odero said that the court ordered the Health Cabinet secretary and Principal Secretary to pay medical interns but they have not done so.
Public Health Officers To Join Doctors In The Ongoing Strike
“The government has blacklisted the ongoing doctor’s strike saying there is no money while housing projects are being put up in the country,” stated Mr. Odero adding that they fully support the doctor’s strike.
He further added that they were ready to be arrested as long as it is fighting for justice.
The ongoing doctor’s strine is taking another dimension after Nyeri County government has warned doctors of losing jobs and missing salaries if they will nit report to work.
