Dr Vincent Munyoki, the founder of Vincent Munyoki Foundation has called for a truce between the government and the striking medics to end patients’ suffering.
The young Educationist from Kitui West, speaking to Hopkindigital.com after visiting several hospitals said the ongoing strike has left patients suffering in many public hospitals.
“The ongoing strike has left patients suffering in many public hospitals.We cannot stand idly by while our people face such hardships. It is time to put aside our differences and work together to find a solution,” Dr. Munyoki said.
As a respected Youth Leader in the community, Dr Munyoki emphasizes the importance of valuing human life above all else. He urges both parties to set aside their differences and work together to find solutions that benefit all, particularly the vulnerable Kenyans in need of medical services.
“let us not use the currency of human life for whatever good cause you have it is not worth losing a life. Both parties need to set aside their differences and come to the table to find mutual beneficial solutions with the ultimate goal of reducing the suffering of the sock and vulnerable Kenyans who are in dire need of medical services,” said Dr Munyoki.
The impact of the 3-week strike is being felt across the country with many patients left unattended or being turned away from hospitals. Many can’t afford going to private hospitals.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), which represents over 7,000 members, went on strike on March 15 to demand payment of their salary arrears and the immediate hiring of trainee doctors.
The arrears arose from a 2017 collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the union said. Doctors are also demanding the provision of adequate medical insurance cover for themselves and their dependants.
It also wants the government to address frequent delays of salaries and to start paying doctors who work in public hospitals as part of their higher degree courses.
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