The Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has warned that there are no spaces left within Intensive Care Units across the country.
Earlier today at a Press conference, Acting Secretary General Chibanzi Mwachonda urged all members of the public and the political leadership to adhere to COVID-19 protocols to save healthcare workers.
Mwachonda added that the rising numbers of COVID-19 infections have not spared healthcare workers.
He said, “The rising numbers of infections have not spared healthcare workers. 10 doctors are currently admitted.”
He added, “The acute shortage of doctors is detrimental to the health sector. We urge the Ministry of health and National Treasury to fast-track the contract renewal process of the 156 hired to work in isolation and treatment centers across the country.”
Speaking at the same time, the Kenya Medical Associations’ Simon Kigondu said the Covid-19 testing capacity should be increased and be availed for free.
Mwachonda also said that the union will go back to a nationwide campaign aimed at increasing uptake of the vaccine.
This is as the Government received 1.02 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine on the 3rd of March through Covax with an additional 100,000 doses from the Government of India.
Mwachonda said, “The ministry of health and county governments should scale up training and risk communication and education to tackle vaccine hesitancy through the healthcare workers representative bodies.”
Similarly, the interfaith council has warned religious institutions to strictly comply with the covid-19 protocols.
Council chairperson Archbishop Anthony Mwaheria said that the Covid-19 threats remain high, noting that places of congregation must not be the weak link.
He then directed that all worship services should not exceed 120 minutes, urging places of worship to be sanitized regularly. Also to reduce numbers in services he advised churches to divide service sessions.