Homa Bay Residents Bear the Brunt as Doctors Down Tools

The residents of Homabay County are now feeling the impact of the doctors’ strike that began on Tuesday, February 3, causing a halt to all routine and emergency medical services in the county.

In addition to placing more pressure on Governor Gladys Wanga’s administration, the doctors’ strike is leading to a greater need for the Governor to address their concerns regarding the strike, thereby increasing the urgency attached to the matter.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) announced that its members will remain off duty until their grievances are satisfactorily addressed by the county government.

KMPDU Homabay Liaison Officer, Dr. Ochieng Otana, explained that the county administration had ignored a 21-day strike notice issued last month.

Doctors Claim County Government Ignores Grievances

“We gave a notice in time, but they did not listen to us. Some officials came and talked to us, but what we discussed has not been implemented to date,” Dr. Otana said, emphasizing that industrial action was the only remaining avenue to force the county to act.

He further highlighted that the county had made minimal efforts to address promotions, leaving many cases unresolved.

“We have talked to our employer, but they don’t want to listen to us. The only issue they tried to address was promotion, which has not been addressed fully,” he added.

Dr. Ben Otieno, another union representative, condemned the county government for undermining the work of doctors and cited unexplained salary deductions as a key demoralizing factor.

“You find that a doctor’s salary has been deducted, yet there is no explanation. What our employer is doing demoralises us from working,” he said.

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Impact on Health Gains and Staffing Concerns

The striking medics warned that the ongoing frustrations threaten health sector progress, including reductions in maternal and infant mortality.

“We had made significant gains in infant and maternal mortality reduction, but the gains are being eroded by the frustrations doctors are undergoing because the problems are recurring in our hospitals,” Dr. Otieno said.

The doctors also cited severe understaffing, which they said compromises patient care.

“Doctors are like the second God. But understaffing is so grave that it denies patients services they deserve. We should not sit down to watch what situations can predispose residents of this county to death. We are also residents of this county,” Dr. Otieno added.

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Key Concerns Outlined by KMPDU Union

The KMPDU has raised concerns about several issues, including: Promotions (unprocessed) have stalled career progression; Statutory deductions not being remitted; Lack of medical coverage; Unpaid doctoral salaries or unpaid allowances; and Arbitrary Removal from the Payroll.

Homabay County Chief Officer for Health, Dr. Kevin Osuri, confirmed that the government is preparing to negotiate with striking doctors to end the standoff.

“We are aware of the strike, and we are going to talk to them about how to return to work,” Dr. Osuri said.

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Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga. PHOTO/ Wanga X