Home / News

Garissa doctors vow not to bow to pressure over medics strike

Dr Muhidin Sharif, Treasury KMPDU North Eastern region flanked by doctors at Garissa Referral Hospital. (Photo: Abdimalik Hajir/EV)

By Abdimalik Hajir | 06 Apr 2024

The doctors have accused the county leadership of lacking goodwill in solving their issues.

Doctors in Garissa have claimed the county government has been intimidating them over the ongoing strike but have vowed that they will not be cowed.

Speaking at Garissa Referral Hospital after a consultative meeting, Dr Muhidin Shariff, the Treasurer, of Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) North Eastern branch said they (doctors) have been working in poor conditions under Governor Nathif Jama's administration

Keep reading

"We are working under poor conditions in all facilities in Garissa. We don't have comprehensive medical cover provided meaning we do not ourselves get the same services we are providing," he said.

Doctors said they have been engaging the Garissa County Government on issues affecting them but the administration has continued to intimidate them into submission.

According to Dr Muhidin, Governor Nathif's administration has failed to promote them and turned a blind eye to the scheme of service as stipulated in the Public Service Act.

"Following extensive engagement on these issues with our membership and based on the aforementioned, we have unanimously resolved to continue with total paralysis and no services shall be offered until our demands are met," he added.

Garissa doctors have vowed to continue with their strike. (Photo: Abdimalik Hajir)

The doctors have accused the county leadership of lacking goodwill in solving the raised issues.

"We are on strike because of doctor's welfare issues that have been discussed for a long time both locally and at the national level," said Dr Muhidin.

At least four doctors at Garissa County Referral Hospital have complained of receiving what they claimed as letters from the county leadership.

A view of the entrance to the Garissa County Referral Hospital. (Photo: Abdimalik Hajir/EV)

"It is all about unfair treatment by the county government. We are forced to do what we were employed to do and if you fail then a threatening letter comes your way," a doctor speaking on condition of anonymity said.

Garissa County Minister for Health, Omar Ahmednadhir could not be reached to respond to the doctors' accusations.

Stranded patients could still be seen at the county's biggest referral hospital with patients opting to seek services at private facilities.