By Kevin Sang, Eldoret
Healthcare services at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) were disrupted after doctors commenced thier strike today, citing grievances that have long plagued their daily operations. The industrial action has left patients stranded, with many uncertain about where to seek medical assistance.
Speaking to the press, Dr Kamonzi Mulei KMPDU,north rift secretary criticized the MTRH management for failing to remit doctors’ salary deductions to relevant financial entities.
He noted that despite pay slips reflecting deductions for bank loan repayments, many doctors have been unable to service their loans due to non-remittance by the hospital. Additionally, he highlighted concerns over medical covers such as the SHA scheme, which allegedly fails to provide coverage for doctors and their families despite continued deductions.
Another pressing issue raised by Dr Mulei is the plight of doctors on contract. He decried the hospital’s failure to transition them to permanent and pensionable terms even after their contract periods had expired. He urged the MTRH management to act swiftly and confirm the employment status of affected doctors.
Meanwhile, Marcy Nabwire, the National Treasurer, has issued a warning to the public against bringing their patients to MTRH, stating that the hospital currently lacks the capacity to handle medical emergencies due to the strike.
“We have a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to helping patients, but the management of MTRH has left us with no choice but to down our tools. Until an agreement is reached, we will not return to work,” Nabwire emphasized.
The strike has paralyzed critical hospital operations, including the emergency unit, which is expected to shut down completely by midnight if the management fails to address the doctors’ demands.
The MTRH administration is yet to issue an official response to the ongoing crisis. As negotiations remain stalled, patients and their families are left in distress, desperately seeking alternative healthcare services.
