Pain, agony for Kenyans as doctors keep away from hospitals

The medics are now calling for a meeting with President William Ruto as they seek a resolution to end the stalemate.

Poverty remains a pervasive problem for many Kenyans, and the ongoing doctors' strike has only exacerbated the situation.

A significant portion of the population relies on public healthcare facilities for treatment, and with doctors currently on strike, many find themselves stranded and uncertain about where to seek assistance.

Samuel Bob, a resident of Eastleigh, shares his dilemma.

"I've been experiencing chest pain for some time now, but with the strike ongoing, I'm at a loss for where to turn. I've resorted to merely taking painkillers to alleviate the discomfort," he says.

Unable to afford the steep costs of private hospitals in Eastleigh, Samuel feels he has no choice but to endure his condition and hope for a swift resolution to the strike.

"The consultation fees in certain hospitals within Eastleigh are as high as Sh2,000 even before any medication is prescribed, and unfortunately, that's a cost I cannot afford," he adds.

Consultation fees at private hospitals are relatively high for many, leading individuals like Samuel to rely on pharmacies for basic care.



Mary Anne Wanjiru, a fruit vendor in Eastleigh, recounts the tragic loss of a neighbour who struggled to access care amidst the strike.

"Despite visiting numerous public hospitals during her illness, she succumbed to high blood pressure after being unable to find a doctor," Wanjiru says.

"According to her family, she initially complained of a toothache, but due to a history of high blood pressure, when the tooth wasn't removed properly, it led to an increase in blood pressure, exacerbating her condition."

"I'm even afraid now because if my child falls ill, I wonder where I'll turn to for help, as I can't afford the costs of private hospitals. The expenses are daunting, forcing me to seek alternative options for my child's healthcare."

Wanjiru, like many others, implores both the government and doctors to swiftly resolve the stalemate.

Unaffordability

Silas Kitaka echoes similar sentiments, expressing the unaffordability of private hospitals for manual labourers like himself.

The rising cost of living in Kenya has compelled many to make sacrifices, and the ongoing strike only exacerbates their struggles.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) went on strike nearly two weeks ago, citing grievances such as delayed intern postings, fair compensation for interns, postgraduate training, increased doctor employment, and comprehensive health coverage.



KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah criticised the Ministry of Health for deviating from the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and emphasised the importance of addressing their concerns for the sake of achieving universal health coverage (UHC).

Despite Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja's ultimatum for doctors to return to work, the strike in the capital persists.

Doctors in Nairobi this week took to the streets, demanding action and insisting their grievances must be heard.

The Ministry of Health, citing financial constraints, has struggled to meet the demands of the striking doctors.

While progress has been made in discussions between the ministry and the union, the strike remains ongoing as doctors' promises have yet to be fulfilled.

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, in a statement last week addressing the ongoing strike, expressed empathy towards both the striking doctors and the plight of the citizens affected by the healthcare crisis.

She acknowledged the challenges faced by doctors in fulfilling their duties amidst financial limitations within the ministry.



Crunch talks

Nakhumicha emphasised the government's commitment to resolving the impasse, highlighting ongoing efforts to secure necessary funds for intern postings and other key areas outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

"We understand the frustrations of both the doctors and the public. Our priority is to ensure the provision of quality healthcare services to all Kenyans," Nakhumicha stated.

"While financial constraints pose significant challenges, we are actively working towards solutions that address the concerns raised by the doctors."

Nakhumicha's sentiments underscored the complexities of the situation, recognising the need for collaboration and understanding between all parties involved. She reiterated the government's dedication to achieving universal health coverage while urging for patience and cooperation during this challenging time.

KMPDU leaders and government officials met last Thursday and agreed to form a 13-member committee that will look into the issues raised by the striking doctors.

Received a brief on the progress made in addressing the issues raised in the industrial action by the healthcare professionals.

I noted the progress made but was concerned by the continued non-compliance with the Court Order by a section of the healthcare professionals. I call… pic.twitter.com/733VODqDJP

— felix koskei (@koske_felix) March 23, 2024

However on Saturday while speaking at the KMPDU Central Branch Annual General Meeting, Secretary-General Dr Davji Atellah said that it's imperative that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed to ensure a sustainable and equitable healthcare system.

"With solidarity and determination, we stand united in demanding the fulfilment of our legitimate grievances for the betterment of healthcare services," said Dr Atellah.

The nationwide doctor's strike entered its 10th day on Saturday with emergency and critical service doctors joining their colleagues and Union officials calling for a meeting with President William Ruto for a resolution to the stalemate.

The call came from KMPDU deputy secretary general Dennis Miskellah, who said the President was being fed wrong information about the strike.

As discussions continue between the Ministry of Health and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union, hopes remain high for a swift resolution to the ongoing healthcare crisis.

In the meantime, the plight of ordinary citizens like Samuel, Wanjiru and Kitaka serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for accessible and affordable healthcare services in Kenya.