Mombasa doctors have vowed to continue with their strike from Tuesday, after they failed to agree with the county leadership
The doctors, through the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union, are demanding their two-month salary, comprehensive medical cover, promotions and timely remittance of the statutory deductions.
KMPDU Mombasa branch secretary general Dr Nassir Shaban said they refused any calls to stop the strike, without their issues being addressed.
“During the meeting at the governor’s office, Joho asked us to give the county more days to resolve the matter. But we collectively refused to agree to that idea,” Shaban said.
On Tuesday last week, the doctors issued a seven-day strike notice threatening to paralyze operations in all county public hospitals and health centers if their grievances are unmet.
The doctors who have turned down Governor Joho’s call for dialogue maintain that their plight ought to be addressed.
Governor Joho is said to have asked to be accorded more time to seek a funds release by the National Treasury, engage the National Hospital Insurance Fund for their medical covers as he address other issues raised.
“We collectively refused after consultations with our members. Therefore, the strike will go on as planned. From Tuesday, operations in all the health centers, hospitals and dispensaries within Mombasa will be paralyzed,” Shaban added.
KMPDU wants a written commitment on how the county government will pay their salaries.
KMPDU Mombasa branch chairperson Hassan Mkuche said the strike is still on until that day their salaries will be paid.
“The strike is on until that day that our needs will be met, not only doctors and nurses but all county health workers,” he said.