Former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has revealed that the doctors’ strike marked the lowest moment during her tenure at the ministry.
Speaking when handing over the office to the new Health CS Debra Mlongo Barasa, Nakhumicha said she regrets the time doctors across the country downed their tools.
“It was one of the lowest moments for me during my tenure, but even during that time, we worked as a team and managed the situation as bad as it was,” she said.
Nakhumicha announced the end of the doctors' strike after 56 days on May 8, 2024, after intense negotiations to end the nationwide industrial action.
The ex-CS said the 56 days were not a low moment just for her but entire ministry.
“Patients were waiting to be served but the doctors were not there,” she lamented.
Nakhumicha reminded Barasa that there is always room for improvement when one has responsibility ahead of them.
“We could have done better, maybe. I want to look at it as part of the journey of this job. Even when you think you are doing good, the law of unintended consequences catches up with you. You plan to do the very best but you end up with an intended consequence,” she stated.
Nakhumicha told Barasa she would be available to her if she needed her help or advice.
“I have not been here long enough to advise my sister but I can say there is no written document on how you do your thing. There is the Constitution, the Health Act and ministry policies. When you work within the parameters, you should be able to navigate,” she stated.
Barasa has more than 18 years of experience in the healthcare industry and health programmes.
