The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) officials from North Rift have bashed Baringo governor Stanley Kiptis for “politicizing health in his county.”
Led by North Rift secretary Dr. Mulei Kamwanzi the officials said politicians should cease from playing politics with matters health.
He noted that health workers in Baringo County are facing a lot of challenges at their places of work.
“Today we want to specifically address Baringo County governor Stanley Kiptis who recently announced that there are enough health workers yet they are not,” said Dr. Kamwanzi.
Dr. Kamwanzi further said that hospitals in Baringo were referring their patients to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH)- Eldoret due to lack of facilities and specialists doctors.
The officials now want Kiptis to address the issues as soon as possible.
They threatened to ask health workers to go on a strike if the governor does not act.
“If this month elapses before the governor addresses the issues, we shall go on strike,” threatened Dr. Kamwanzi.
“Some health workers have even worked for 7 years without any promotion,” added Dr. Kamwanzi.
Branch chairman Dr. Darwin Ambuka said about 18 doctors who have resigned from the county referral since 2017 are yet to be replaced.
Dr. Edwin Rono said there is a need for the county government to employ more doctors for smooth health service delivery.
“We will not allow health workers to suffer under poor leadership; health workers need to be treated with great respect,”said Zaietuni Mullah, the branch treasurer.
