Among the issues they wanted addressed were lack of promotion, lack of re-designation for those who completed higher education, denial of leave allowance, lack of medical cover, and uniform allowances.
On his part, the county director of health, Aden Hussein, informed the committee members that lack of financial and operational autonomy had been the biggest bottlenecks to the department's ability to facilitate the demands of the striking health workers.
Garissa County Health executive Ahmednadhir Omar when he appeared before the Assembly health committeeTop officials in the health department in Garissa have
denied allegations that the recent disciplinary letters to the healthcare
workers were meant to intimidate them.Appearing before the Garissa County Assembly committees
on health and sanitation chaired by Aden Odowa, health executive
Ahmednadhir Omar and director of health Aden Hussein termed the allegations as untrue.Last week, the healthcare workers went on strike, accusing
the county of not honoring the 90-day return to work formula.Among the issues they wanted addressed were lack of
promotion, lack of re-designation for those who completed higher education,
denial of leave allowance, lack of medical cover, and uniform allowances.However, in a quick rejoinder, the department of health
moved to take disciplinary action against striking healthcare workers.In a letter dated March 5, written by the Health Chief
Officer Abdia Abdiwahab, and copied to the health executive, the director of
health directs the subcounty medical officers of health and medical
superintendents to submit a list of staff under their jurisdiction who have
deserted duty.Aden Odowa, Garissa County Health Committee chair.Khadija Idris, a nominated member, asked why the
department wrote an intimidatory letter to the striking health workers despite
picketing being their constitutional rights.Damajale ward MCA Omar Abdi Hassan questioned the
reason behind sending promotion letters to some of the striking health workers
on March 7.Another nominated member, Amina Bulo, told the health officials to
explain why the county government failed to honour the return to work signed by the
Garissa Governor Nathif Jama three months ago.However, the health executive said the letters were only
sent to health workers that were not part of the union, and that their action
amounted to desertion of duty.“I want to make it very clear to this honourable
committee that the letters and a roll call conducted were not intended to
intimidate the striking health workers but rather to maintain accurate records
of attendance and necessary measures for continued operation for the interest
of the patients,” Ahmednadhir said.He added, "Our action was only meant to safeguard the
rights of both patients and other employees who opted to remain on duty."
On his part, the county director
of health, Aden Hussein, informed the committee members that lack of financial
and operational autonomy had been the biggest bottlenecks to the department's ability to
facilitate the demands of the striking health workers.
He emphasized how the implementation of promotion
perks and other benefits requires a multi-agency approach involving the county
human resources advisory committee, the County Public Service Commission, and the
Treasury.
He expressed hope that the matter would be concluded
following a meeting held by departmental heads, the governor, and the county
public service board on the promotion of the 616 staff who deserved to be
promoted to the next level.
On the promotion letters issued to some of the
striking health workers while on strike, he said they were issued in 'good
faith’ in anticipation more to be issued by the county public service board.
The majority leader Mohamed Abdi further advised the
department to prudently utilise the Sh40 million that was allotted in the
supplementary budget approved last week for the purpose of catering for
promotion perks of the frontline workers, warning them against diversion.
Garissa County Health executive Ahmednadhir Omar when he appeared before the Assembly health committee
