Speaking during a press briefing however, County Executive in charge of Health Bernard Muia indicated that a meeting between the County Government and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union which resolved some of the issues raised/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 15 – The Nairobi County Government has ordered striking doctors to resume their duties with immediate effect or face disciplinary action.
This follows the paralysis of operations in some hospitals following a protest by doctors who were demanding their pay for the last six months and delayed promotions.
Speaking during a press briefing however, County Executive in charge of Health Bernard Muia indicated that a meeting between the County Government and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union which resolved some of the issues raised.
“The Nairobi City County Government on its part has fulfilled most of the demands by the doctors and this was confirmed by the meeting held on 9th September, 2016 and therefore there is no justification for the strike,” he said.
Muia further indicated that the County Government will among other things replace any absent doctor should they fails to report to work.
“As such, the County Government wishes to state and direct that the doctors strike is illegal. All the doctors are hereby required to report back on duty immediately failure to which disciplinary action shall be initiated against them,” he said. “All doctors on leave are also hereby recalled back on duty with immediate effect.”
He further described the action by the doctors to go on strike as unethical and urged them to get back to work as soon as possible.
“Doctors are reminded that their work falls within the definition of essential services and therefore resorting to industrial action by the doctors is unethical and illegal. Please be advised accordingly,” he said.
According to the doctors, the County failed to implement a Memorandum of Understanding signed in October last year following a countywide strike.
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