You are not my problem anymore! RUTO tells striking doctors to stop bothering him and negotiate with counties and hospitals directly

 

Monday, April 15, 2024 – President William Ruto now appears to have shifted the blame over the ongoing doctors' strike to counties.

This is after he urged healthcare professionals to resume negotiations with their respective county administrations because they are responsible for paying their salaries.

This comes even as tensions escalate with some counties threatening dismissal of non-compliant doctors.

During a press briefing, Ruto, through the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, highlighted the readiness of county governments to engage in negotiations for Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and stressed the importance of prompt return to the negotiation table.

"The counties are prepared to negotiate," he affirmed, emphasizing the significance of dialogue in resolving the crisis.

The strike, which has seen varying levels of participation across the 47 counties, has resulted in a patchwork of responses from local governments.

While Laikipia, Nyandarua, and Uasin Gishu report full operation in their healthcare facilities, Nyeri county has taken a harsher stance by dismissing 60 doctors who joined the strike.

Other counties, including Kakamega, Kiambu, Tharaka Nithi, Kilifi, and Kisumu, have set a stern deadline for striking doctors. These doctors have been given until Monday, April 15, to return to their duties or face termination of their contracts.

Highlighting the national impact of the strike, it was revealed that more than 500 people have died due to the lack of medical services, a situation that has intensified public outcry and calls for urgent government action.

The Kenyan DAILY POST