In a critical move, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) announced on Wednesday that doctors in Kiambu County have suspended services in response to unpaid salaries for August and September.
This action follows a statement from the Union accusing the Kiambu County government of violating the return-to-work formula established on May 8, 2024.
“Our patience has been tested, but the County Government must now face the reality of its inaction,” KMPDU stated. The union emphasized that the severe strain on medical personnel due to overwork, fatigue, and burnout necessitates the hiring of additional staff. statement declared, “The days of being overworked are over,” affirming that any schedule demanding more than the legal 40-hour workweek is void. The union framed hiring more doctors not as a burden, but as “an investment in Kiambu’s future.”
The crisis has taken a grave turn, with reports that three doctors have died by suicide due to unbearable pressures. This includes the recent tragic case of Dr. Desree Moraa, a medical intern at Gatundu Level 5 Hospital, whose death underscored the severe stress faced by medical interns in Kenya. KMPDU highlighted that this is not just a crisis for medical professionals, but for the entire population of Kiambu, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic change.
Compounding the situation is the recent transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). This change has left hundreds of chronic illness patients struggling to access critical care, particularly in Nakuru County, where many facilities are rejecting NHIF cards and demanding cash payments instead. A spot check revealed that cancer and dialysis patients are being turned away, exacerbating their suffering. Despite directives from the Ministry of Health to ensure that services for SHIF members remain uninterrupted, confusion continues to reign in health facilities across the country.
KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah, speaking at KMPDU central branch offices after meeting with the striking doctors, criticized the hasty implementation of the new health scheme, warning that if the situation remains unresolved, doctors nationwide may join the strike. He noted, “The county government has failed to pay their three months’ salaries,” highlighting the urgency of the matter.
As the situation unfolds, both medical professionals and patients are left in a precarious position, awaiting a resolution that addresses the systemic issues plaguing healthcare in Kiambu and beyond.