Doctors set to call off strike
By KBC Reporters
The Council of Governors and Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union are set to sign a Return to Work Formula today (Tuesday).
This will bring to an end the doctors strike that entered its 100th day today and restore health services in public hospitals.
The office of the Attorney General through its Counsel Waigi Kamau said earlier that parties are concluding discussions on a joint return-to-work formula which could be signed by all parties and registered in the Court of Appeal.
The move will effectively see the medics resume duty and majority of Kenyans in dire need of their now elusive health services attended to.
The doctors through their lead Counsel James Orengo had on Monday filed their return-to-work formula document to the Court of Appeal but the Government was adamant that it was not party to the drafting of the Return to Work Formula presented to the Appellate Judges.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union General Ouma Oluga says doctors will only resume work once the document is executed.
Upon signing the document, parties are expected to register it at the court of appeal.
Meanwhile, Garissa governor Nathif Jama says he will engage doctors on strike with a view of coming up with a resolution to end their industrial action.
He said the county would not rush into sacking doctors saying the region is a hardship area and many doctors would not prefer the place.
Nathif said that his administration could not afford to sack the doctors saying it takes too long to employ a qualified doctor in North Eastern region.
All the 22 doctors in Garissa County took part in the strike and have not reported for duty despite threats to sack them.
The governor however commended over 49 clinical officers for filling the gap.
In Machakos 20 out of 186 Doctors have resumed work in the County. According to Health Chief officer Dr Jack Nthanga, the Government of Machakos last week issued show course letters to all striking doctors to resume work failure to which they would face disciplinary action.
Nthanga said that only the Maternity wing was operating alongside the outpatient department and renal unit.
