The Kilifi County Government has defended the transfer of 54 healthcare workers across various health facilities following concerns and discussion on social media over the recent deployment changes.
County health officials said the transfers were part of a routine workforce management exercise aimed at addressing staffing imbalances and improving service delivery in public health facilities across the county.
The County Executive Committee Member for Health and Sanitation Services, Peter Mwarogo, said the decision was reached after an operational review of staffing requirements in different facilities.
According to Mwarogo, the exercise was intended to ensure health centres and hospitals have adequate personnel to meet the healthcare needs of residents in various parts of the county.
“We wish to clarify information circulating on social media regarding the recent staff transfers undertaken by the Department of Health. The transfers, which affected 54 members of staff from various cadres, were conducted following an operational review aimed at strengthening service delivery across health facilities in the county,” he said.
The county official maintained that the transfers were guided by service demands and the need to distribute healthcare workers more evenly across facilities, particularly in areas experiencing staffing shortages.
Mwarogo dismissed claims that the exercise targeted specific employees, insisting that the deployments were undertaken as part of normal administrative procedures within the health sector.
“The deployment changes were not targeted at any specific individuals, but were part of routine workforce management to promote equitable access to quality healthcare services throughout the county,” he said.
The clarification comes amid growing public interest in the transfers, with some residents raising questions about the rationale for moving staff between facilities.
County officials, however, argue that periodic transfers are necessary to ensure resources are utilised effectively and that residents across the county receive essential healthcare services without disruption.
Mwarogo praised health workers for their commitment to service delivery and reaffirmed the county's intention to continue reviewing staffing levels in line with emerging needs.
“The Department of Health appreciates the dedication and professionalism of all healthcare workers and remains committed to continuous assessment of staffing needs. Where necessary, further deployments will be undertaken to ensure efficient and effective service delivery for all residents of Kilifi County,” he said.
The county government has not indicated whether additional transfers will be carried out immediately, but has maintained that operational requirements within the health sector will determine future deployments.
Comments
Sign in with Google to comment, reply, and like comments.
Continue with Google