Dr. Wahome Makundi who is the Meru Chief Health Officer in Meru County has been given a seven-day ultimatum over concerns about a strike affecting healthcare services.
The ultimatum was issued by the Commission of Administrative Justice on September 19, 2024.
The Ombudsman noted that the office was privy to reports of a health workers strike in the county that reportedly started in August 2024 due to unresolved labor issues. The strike is said to have paralyzed operations in all public facilities.
“Pursuant to Section 8 of the Commission on Administrative Justice Act, the Commission has taken note of media reports regarding a crisis which has hit Meru County’s health sector following a strike of health workers which began on 1st August 2024 due to unresolved labor issues,” read part of the statement.
“This has left most patients seeking health care services in Meru General Hospitals stranded and exposed to irreversible health-related risks. It is trite to note that Article 43 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 guarantees every Kenyan the right to healthcare.”
Governor Mwangaza of Meru supplying replacement CHP kits, in a past event. Photo/Meru County X account.
In the statement, the Ombudsman raised concern over the plight of Meru residents who have been unable to access medical services due to the alleged strike. The watchdog commission noted that the prolonged strike would amount to a violation of the rights of Meru residents and therefore demanded answers.
Also Read: Nairobi Doctors’ Threaten to Down their Tools
Issues to Be Addressed by the Meru COH
The Ombudsman Office further outlined the issues the COH should act and respond to within the seven days among them being the confirmation of whether there is a healthcare workers’ strike and if so, steps taken to address the grievances advanced.
In addition, the Ombudsman wants an explanation from the Meru County Health Officer on any interim measures taken to ensure alternative affordable and accessible healthcare services during the strike period.
Also listed among the demands is a tentative action plan to prevent future disruptions to essential public healthcare services in the County.
Recent Health Workers Strike
Doctors’ strikes have affected services in various counties in Kenya in 2024. On September 16, 2024, the Nairobi hospital announced the commencement of an industrial action and suspended all new admissions due to a planned strike.
Also Read: Nairobi Hospital Suspends Admission of Patients as Strike Starts
“The general public is hereby informed that the Nairobi Hospital Admitting Staff Association (doctors) will, by midnight today, Monday, September 16, 2024, down their tools,” a statement from the Nairobi Hospital staff read in part.
It was reported that the Nairobi Hospital doctors were against the board of management prompting the strike aimed at calling on the board of directors to resign.
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