Uasin Gishu County Government to Engage Nurses’ Union in Dialogue to End Healthcare Workers’ Strike
“My administration will engage the county KNUN leadership in dialogue to alleviate the suffering of patients affected by the ongoing strike. We are determined to find a solution that prioritizes the welfare of both healthcare workers and the people who rely on these services,” Governor Bii assured.
Governor Jonathan Bii flags off a consignment of essential medical supplies worth KSh 54 million at the Uasin Gishu County Hospital, destined for over 138 dispensaries across the county. The move aims to address persistent drug shortages and improve healthcare services in the region.
By Jessica Nyaboke
The Uasin Gishu County Government has expressed its readiness to engage in dialogue with the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) to resolve the ongoing healthcare workers’ strike, now in its third week. Governor Jonathan Bii confirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing the concerns of nurses and other paramedical staff to ensure the resumption of essential health services in public hospitals.
“My administration will engage the county KNUN leadership in dialogue to alleviate the suffering of patients affected by the ongoing strike. We are determined to find a solution that prioritizes the welfare of both healthcare workers and the people who rely on these services,” Governor Bii assured.
Speaking at the Uasin Gishu County Hospital during the flagging off of essential drugs worth KSh 54 million procured from the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), Bii emphasized the importance of social dialogue over hardline stances in resolving disputes within the health sector.
“Adopting an uncompromising position will only exacerbate the challenges facing our health sector. Dialogue and mutual understanding are the keys to overcoming this crisis,” he stated.
Drug Shortages Addressed
Governor Bii revealed that the KEMSA consignment, consisting of essential drugs, would be distributed to over 138 dispensaries managed by the county government. He expressed optimism that the supplies would help mitigate the chronic drug shortages that have plagued public health facilities in the region.
Accompanied by members of his County Executive Committee, Bii assured residents that they would now access medical care within county-run facilities without the need to seek prescriptions from private chemists, as had been the case previously.
“We are committed to ensuring that no patient is referred to private pharmacies due to a lack of drugs in our public hospitals. This delivery marks a significant step towards restoring confidence in our healthcare system,” said the governor.
Warning Against Drug Diversion
Governor Bii also issued a stern warning to county health workers against the diversion of public medical supplies to private facilities, a malpractice that has previously undermined service delivery in public hospitals. He promised strict legal action against any individuals found guilty of such misconduct.
“We have received reports in the past about some unscrupulous hospital employees stealing drugs meant for our patients and selling them to private facilities. Let me be clear—those caught engaging in such activities will face severe consequences,” Bii warned.
The governor’s remarks come amidst growing public outcry over the impact of the healthcare workers’ strike on patients, many of whom have been forced to seek treatment in private facilities at higher costs. Bii called on all stakeholders to put the interests of the public first and work collaboratively to restore normalcy in the healthcare sector.
Commitment to Improved Services
Governor Bii reiterated his administration’s pledge to enhance healthcare service delivery in the county. “Our priority is to build a resilient and efficient health system that serves the needs of all residents. This strike highlights the challenges we face, but we are determined to overcome them through dialogue, accountability, and prudent management of resources,” he concluded.
The resolution of the strike remains a critical test for the county government as it seeks to balance the demands of healthcare workers with its obligation to provide accessible and quality healthcare to the public.
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