Tension is mounting at Nairobi Hospital as doctors prepare for a strike that will begin in seven days.
According to the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), the doctors are lamenting about poor working conditions, unfair labour practices, and management’s alleged contempt of court orders.
Additionally, KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah said that Nairobi Hospital is one of several private institutions where medics have been forced to resign due to poor working conditions, while others continue to work under pressure, fearing victimization.
“7 days to go for the Nairobi Hospital Strike. Speaking against being overworked, underpaid, and denied study leave and career progression, doctors at Nairobi Hospital demand the immediate resignation of the Chairman, Board of Directors, and CEO,” said Attelah.
Also Read: Nairobi Hospital Suspends Admission of Patients as Strike Starts
Nairobi Hospital Doctors Call for Resignation of CEO
Further, he has accused the hospital’s Chairman of the Board of Directors Chris Bichage and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) James Nyamongo of allowing the toxic work environment.
Further, the union accused the Nairobi Hospital Board chairperson of disrupting an AGM meeting held on December 4, 2024.
“Doctors and distinguished members of this once great hospital were abused in broad daylight when the disgraceful and rogue board chairman and his stooges hired goons
“To pretend as bona fide KHA members to come and mishandle and beat up the real members who were keen to impeach the management and rescue the hospital from imminent collapse,” added the union’s chairman.
Also Read: Nairobi Hospital CEO James Nyamongo Suspended Indefinitely
CEO Suspended
The CEO was suspended indefinitely days after he was sent on compulsory leave by the board members representing the Kenya Hospital Association (KHA).
Days after Nyamongo was sent on leave, KHA Chairman Dr. Chris Bichage in a letter dated December 30 directed that the CEO does not return to the office until the Board of Management advises accordingly.
The KHA board members had in July said they lacked confidence in the board directors’ leadership, listing 13 directors, including Chairman Dr. Chris Bichage and Vice Chairman Philemon Mwaisaka.
Dr. Bichage in a statement on September 13, 2024, spoke about various reports against the hospital which included alleged financial constraints, tribal recruitment, poor governance corruption and mismanagement.
The board chairman in the statement refuted the allegations saying that they were being peddled around are choreographed out of frustration by unnamed individuals
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