Nairobi: Retired Anglican Bishop, Rev. Joseph Otieno Wasonga, has called on the Siaya County Government to engage in dialogue with healthcare workers to address the grievances that have led to their withdrawal from labor, consequently exposing residents to suffering.
According to Kenya News Agency, the ongoing industrial action has left public hospitals non-operational, denying ordinary citizens access to quality healthcare. Speaking at a one-day medical camp organized by the Bishop Wasonga Foundation, Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK), and the Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS) at Siriwo in Central Gem Location, Bishop Wasonga urged both parties to negotiate in the interest of the citizens.
‘The dispute could be resolved if both sides negotiated in good faith,’ he said, emphasizing the need for the county government to engage with healthcare workers to formulate a return-to-work plan. He stressed that this would prevent further suffering among the people due to lack of medical services.
Bishop Wasonga also called on both levels of government to prioritize the welfare of health workers, expressing concern over the continuous neglect of workers’ grievances.
Gem Sub-County Public Health Nurse, Triza Anyango, highlighted that the nurses’ strike had disrupted services in many government health facilities, with pregnant women, newborns, and children being the most affected by the disruption. She noted that immunization services have been significantly impacted due to the industrial action.
Dr. Brian Sagero, a Medical Officer at Africa Inuka Hospital, who participated in the medical camp, reported that nearly 1,000 residents were screened during the event. He encouraged residents to undergo regular medical check-ups, cautioning that some diseases remain hidden until they become severe health threats.
