- Nyong’o noted that the sudden withdrawal of the doctors from their medical services is an irrational decision bound to plunge the whole nation into a terrible health crisis.
- He said Health is a devolved function and counties provide services such as health.
Image: FAITH MATETE
Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o has asked the Kenya Kwanza government to immediately rescind its decision to withdraw the services of the Cuban doctors.
This follows an announcement by the government to withdraw the services of Cuban doctors from the different health facilities.
Nyong’o noted that the sudden withdrawal of the doctors from their medical services is an irrational decision bound to plunge the whole nation into a terrible health crisis.
He said Health is a devolved function and counties provide such services as health where the rubber touches the ground.
"It would have been both constitutionally correct and sensible to consult with County governments before such a decision is made," he said.
At the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), Nyong’o noted that they had three Cuban doctors: an oncologist, a dermatologist and a cardiologist.
He questioned where they were going to find replacements for the doctors.
"What will happen to our people with cancer cases, for example, when the Cuban doctors leave without their replacements, the govenor further questioned."
Nyong’o added that the rational and wise decision that should have been made was first to identify Kenyan doctors who could replace the Cubans before they were withdrawn.
"I know that people in government who make these decisions can afford to be treated abroad. Ordinary Kenyans, unfortunately, cannot," he said.
The Govenor pleaded with the Kenya Kwanza government to rescind this decision immediately.
He added that there was also a need to discuss with the Council of Governors what needs to be done regarding the Cuban doctors and their replacements without being in a hurry to score political bonga points.
The government through the Health CS Susan Nakumicha had announced on Wednesday it would not be renewing a 6-year-old deal that saw Cuban doctors employed in Kenya.
In March 2023, the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union demanded for non-renewal of contracts between Kenya and Cuba once the contract lapsed this year.
In a submission to the Senate Health Committee, the union further demanded that a report of cost analysis be provided and all Kenyan medics employed before importing the foreign doctors.
Kenya signed a health agreement with Cuba in 2017 that actualized an exchange programme where Cuban doctors would come into the country to help fill the gap in county hospitals while Kenyan doctors were sent to Cuba for specialized training.
The agreement saw the first batch of 53 family doctors and 47 specialists arrive in the country before an additional 20 specialists arrived in July 2020 to help in the fight against COVID-19.