Healthcare workers at the Port Victoria hospital in Busia County have gone on strike over the harassment of their staff by a student enrolled in a Theatre Technology program at Nairobi Women’s Hospital.
The incident which was captured on video went viral causing uproar among Kenyans and the medical fraternity in the country.
According to the Port Victoria Hospital medical personnel, they will not be treating any other patient until the ministry of interior arrests the student, identified as Venessa Ongema.
Further, the medics led by the Secretary General of the Kenya National Union of Nurses, Seth Panyako, stated that despite claims that she was linked to renown individuals in the country, authorities ought to take action against her.
Additionally, Panyako stated that the hospital staff members were not assured of their safety and therefore could not continue with their duties until action is taken.
“Whether she is linked to a prominent of powerful person, she must be brought to justice. Our medics cannot continue working in such unsafe environments. We want relevant authorities to take action against her,” stated Panyako.
Also Read: Nairobi Women’s Hospital Takes Action Against Student Caught Harassing Nurses
Ministry of Health and Nairobi Women’s Hospital Call for the Arrest of Student
Earlier, the Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha called for the arrest of the accused student, condemning her actions while lauding the medics at the facility for handling the matter with professionalism.
“This recent case of assault on a healthcare worker is not just an attack on an individual. It is an insult of the entire healthcare system and the principals that guide it.
“I want to commend the medic involved for displaying such remarkable composure and professionalism during the incident,” her statement read in part.
At the same time, Nairobi Women’s Hospital distanced itself with the matter adding that they were training students with integrity were disappointed to learn that the lady captured on video was one of their students.
Also Read: Ababu Responds After a Lady Harassed Hospital Staff Using His Name
Additionally, they indicated that they had begun investigations into the matter and would take appropriate action against the student.
“These actions do not align with the values and standards we uphold at NWHC. As an organization, we are committed to nurturing compassionate and responsible professionals.
“To address this matter, we have initiated an internal investigation to gather all relevant information and will institute appropriate measures in line with our institution’s policies and procedures,” stated the hospital.
Harassment on Port Victoria Hospital Staff
The video which went viral on Tuesday, January 3, showed the student shouting at the hospital staff. The lady hurled insults at the nurses, scattering files and documents that were on top of a desk.
Later, she threatened to call an individual she named Ababu. After a while, the lady and another individual left the room after realizing that they were being recorded.
According to reports, the lady and another individual had taken a patient to the hospital for treatment and demanded immediate attention before other patients.
