Patients stranded as Nairobi doctors’ strike enters seventh day
All Nairobi County doctors and clinical officers downed their tools last week, crippling public healthcare services and leaving patients in distress. The strike, now in its seventh day, has forced hospitals to rely on consultants, a measure that remains inadequate as patient queues grow longer.
The outpatient section at Mbagathi Hospital is noticeably less crowded than usual, with significantly shorter queues compared to the long waiting hours that patients have endured since the doctors' strike began in Nairobi County. Despite the ongoing strike involving around 300 county doctors, the hospital remains operational, offering services.
For Anne Wanja, today feels like a relief. By 10 am, she has already completed her treatment—a stark contrast to the previous day when she arrived at the hospital at 5 am and only left at 4 pm without being attended to. She had no choice but to return the next day.
More To Read
"Yesterday, the queues were incredibly long, and many patients were stranded. But today, as you can see, the number of people has significantly reduced. It seems some gave up," she observes.
Wanja, who had taken her son to the hospital due to persistent diarrhoea, was concerned about the dwindling number of patients. She paid Sh200 for consultation and an additional amount for treatment, totalling Sh1,300. However, to her disappointment, no specific diagnosis was given, though she was prescribed some medication.
Adding to her frustration, Wanja was unable to use her Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) card and had to pay in cash, despite hoping it would cover the costs.
Meanwhile, Jane Akinyi, who came for an ultrasound, is surprised by the efficiency of services despite the hospital’s usual high patient traffic. However, after consulting with doctors, she was advised to undergo further tests. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, she had to postpone the procedure and return later.
Today marks the seventh day since the doctors' strike began in Nairobi County, with about 300 doctors and clinical officers downing their tools. As the strike persists, patients continue to suffer, with public hospitals struggling to maintain services.
Empty chairs at the waiting bay at Mbagathi Hospital. (Photo: Charity Kilei)
At Mbagathi Hospital, consultants have been brought in to bridge the gap left by striking medics, but the intervention remains insufficient. Meanwhile, hospitals like Mama Lucy witnessed long queues on Wednesday, leaving many patients stranded and unable to receive timely care.
With primary healthcare services in disarray, patients now face even greater challenges, as overcrowded hospitals and limited medical personnel make access to essential treatment increasingly difficult.
All Nairobi County doctors and clinical officers downed their tools last week, crippling public healthcare services and leaving patients in distress. The strike, now in its seventh day, has forced hospitals to rely on consultants, a measure that remains inadequate as patient queues grow longer.
Hospitals heavily impacted by the strike include Mbagathi, Mama Lucy, and Pumwani, which collectively serve thousands of Kenyans.
The striking medical workers, including those who previously served under the now-defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS), are protesting persistent salary delays, illegal dismissals, stalled promotions, unpaid gratuities, and delayed confirmation letters.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU), alongside the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), defended the strike, citing continued frustrations and neglect by the government.
"Healthcare workers do not take strike action lightly, but how can we care for patients when we are deliberately incapacitated? For quality healthcare, doctors and clinical officers must be valued, supported, and empowered to serve," the unions stated.
Top Stories Today
