Pumwani Hospital nurses prioritise critical maternity care amid doctor’s strike

As the doctor's strike enters its 24th day, uncertainty has gripped the nation's healthcare system. At Pumwani Maternity Hospital, nurses hold the fort but only attend to expectant mothers in critical need.

Since the strike commenced on March 14, 2024, the doctors have stood firm in their demands, vowing not to return to work until their grievances are addressed by the government.

Following this, nurses at Pumwani Maternity Hospital have resorted to prioritising patients in critical condition, ensuring no mother in distress is turned away.

Speaking to one of the nurses in charge, who sought anonymity, she said that upon the arrival of a patient, expectant mothers are assessed to determine if they are due for delivery and if they are in critical condition.

For those deemed to be in urgent need, immediate assistance is provided by several nurses who are on duty.

However, she noted that mothers who are not yet at the stage of delivery or whose conditions are not urgent are advised to return home until the time is right.

“We are only serving those who are in critical conditions. We cannot turn away a mother in pain simply because there are no doctors available. The nurses are here to help them,” she said.

Her sentiments were echoed by visitors who had gathered outside the hospital gate, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones who had come to deliver.

Among them was Anne, who had come to support her expectant friend, admitted to the facility. Despite the challenges posed by the strike, she emphasised that her friend was assisted by a nurse to deliver her baby, who will soon be joining them.

"We are thankful that at least there are nurses to help. But those who are assisted are those who are ready to deliver,” she said.

Nurses at the facility were seen attending to some patients even as the strike seemed to have paralysed services at the hospital.

The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) declined to join doctors in their mass demonstration to protest the delayed posting of interns, among other issues.

Speaking during a press conference in Nairobi, KNUN national chairman Joseph Ngwasi said they resolved to continue with ongoing talks with the government since the government showed goodwill by engaging the union concerning the current pressing issues.

“Our members are not about to go on strike. We have agreed as a union to continue with alternative dispute resolution mechanisms,” he said.

Regarding the Collective Bargaining Agreement, he noted that there is good progress at both levels of government towards signing the agreement with the union.

He, however, pointed out that there are gaps in healthcare services due to the strike by doctors and clinical officers.

“Nurses cannot replace doctors. They are working within the scope of their job description,” he said.

He urged the pre-nurse interns to remain patient as they deal with the issue of their posting and continue to negotiate to ensure their stipend payment issue is reviewed to conform with the schemes of service.

General Secretary Seth Panyako emphasised that doctors have a right to strike since it is up to the government to address their grievances.

“We cannot say the doctors are striking illegally. They have a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the government while we don’t,” he added.

He insisted that the government needs to resolve the doctors' strike as nurses work hand in hand with medical doctors.