Medics in Meru have issued a 14 days strike notice to the county government over a failed September 2023, return to work agreement.
The medics said despite them being lenient to Governor Kawira Mwangaza’s administration, they have been frustrated and taken for a ride.
Leaders Nesbit Mugendi of Kenya National Union of Nurses, Moses Baiyenia for Clinicians, Mugambi Bakari for Pharmacists and nutritionists said implementation of the agreement was to start by April 2024.
The medics claimed that money was to be factored in the 2024/2025 budget estimates but the county was yet to include the funds.
“We want delayed salaries to be deposited to medic’s accounts. We want remittance of insurance funds. We expect these grievances to be met in 14 days failure to which were will close all health facilities in this county,” Mugendi said.
They also demanded the employment of more staff, to meet the World Health Organization guidelines and health standards.
“The last time the county government made promotions was in 2017 during Governor Peter Munya’s reign. We demand promotions for staff who have remained in the same job group for more than 10 years.”
Baiyenia questioned the administration's priorities, saying construction and painting of toilets should not take precedence while lives of patients are at risk due to lack of drugs and staffing.
“We had very big expectations with governor Mwangaza. We are disappointed and frustrated. We are exhausted from being overworked. We are in financial distress,” he said.
Several maternity wards have closed down after specialists in the facilities exited, the pharmacists' representative said.
“We were told to wait until July. We are tired of empty promises. Our people should not blame us because we are demotivated,” Mugambi added.
Adding his voice, KMPDU Secretary General Upper Eastern, Timothy Muriuki, said poor working environment and understaffed hospitals were their biggest challenges.
