Kisumu County has taken a decisive stance, announcing that doctors who have not reported for work will not receive remuneration.
Governor Anyang Nyong’o issued a statement outlining the county’s position, citing adherence to the Labour Relations Act and the need for accountability in service delivery.
Kisumu County resolution
The county cabinet convened extensive discussions to address the healthcare crisis, ultimately deciding that healthcare workers who abstained from their duties would not be compensated for the corresponding period.
Nyong’o emphasized that the County Secretary and the public service board have been tasked with ensuring the implementation of this decision.
“In accordance with the Labour Relations Act, the county will not provide remuneration for work not performed.
“Therefore, healthcare workers who have not been present at their designated workplace and have withdrawn their services will not be remunerated for the corresponding period. The County Secretary and public service board have already been informed to take necessary action.,” part of the statement by Nyong’o revealed.
Nyong’o through his statement revealed that they have taken a step to employ doctors on term contracts following the withdrawal of postgraduate training doctors.
“To address the current situation, especially at JOOTRH where doctors on postgraduate training have withdrawn their services, the County will urgently employ doctors on short-term contracts to ensure the provision of essential healthcare services to our community using the savings made,” Nyong’o confirmed through a statement on Thursday.
Furthermore, in light of the withdrawal of postgraduate training doctors, the county has expedited the employment of doctors on short-term contracts to maintain essential healthcare services, particularly at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).
“All health workers undergoing speciality training in Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) will henceforth be required to establish service level agreements with the hospital. This measure aims to ensure predictability and clear accountability for service delivery,” he added.
Nyong’o also spoke of the importance of clear service-level agreements to ensure predictability and accountability in service delivery.
Governor Nyong’o expressed the county’s commitment to upholding high standards in healthcare delivery and urged medical practitioners to engage in constructive dialogue.
Despite ongoing efforts to address concerns raised by healthcare workers, some practitioners have chosen to remain steadfast in their strike action.
“The county government remains steadfast in upholding the highest standards of healthcare delivery and ensuring the well-being of all residents.
“We are committed to addressing any challenges in collaboration with healthcare workers and stakeholders. I urge all stakeholders in the sector to continue engaging in constructive dialogue to find lasting solutions that prioritize the health and welfare of our communities,” he stated.
Nyong’o’s statement highlighted the county’s efforts in healthcare provision. He stated that all county employees are enrolled in a comprehensive medical scheme and that the county had consistently recruited doctors in recent years.
He also said efforts had been made to facilitate further studies for doctors and ensure continuous professional development. Nyong’o also aid promotions for healthcare workers, including doctors, had been implemented, with the most recent promotions issued in March 2024.
The county also insisted it had made provisions for timely salary payments and had provided access to Mortgage and Car Loan Schemes for staff.
Kisumu County efforts
Nyong’o stated that despite these efforts, a segment of healthcare practitioners opted to walk out of their duties, a decision regretted by the county government.
The Governor expressed gratitude to dedicated healthcare workers who continue to provide essential services during these challenging times, acknowledging their commitment and professionalism.
They also pointed out that the Kisumu county government was open to dialogue with stakeholders to find lasting solutions that prioritize the health and welfare of the community.
