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Nurses have made good their threat to down tools in some parts of the country to protest non-implementation of their salaries negotiated in 2017. Consequently, medical services have been paralysed in various counties, causing pain and agony. More counties could join today, worsening the situation.
Right from the outset, we urge that the dispute be quickly resolved for the striking nurses resume work. Although the nurses have valid grievances, they should give dialogue a chance. The Kenya National Union of Nurses should agree to go to the negotiating table for arbitration as directed by the Labour ministry.
It is unfortunate that strike has become a perennial feature in the medical sector. If it is not nurses, then it is doctors. All this boils down to poor management and inability to resolve conflicts. Medical workers in the public sector operate under difficult conditions, are poorly remunerated and have few opportunities for professional growth. The conditions under which they work are antithetical to quality medical service delivery.
At the heart of the matter is the inability of the national and county governments to properly manage healthcare. Provision of medical services is largely devolved to counties. The national government is responsible for policy formulation and managing two national referral hospitals — Kenyatta in Nairobi and Moi in Eldoret. The rest are run by the counties. However, since the transfer of that role, the health sector has consistently move from one crisis to another.
Evidence abounds indicating that devolution of medical services was the right thing. More facilities have been established across the country through devolution than ever witnessed before. Specialised treatment hitherto associated with the big hospitals are now available in county-based health facilities. Counties such as Makueni have become shining examples of universal health coverage.
But the converse is also true. Management of personnel and equipment has proved problematic. Many counties are grappling with staff management, particularly remuneration, training and promotion. The current impasse arose from failure to honour a salary package negotiated between Knun and the counties through the Council of Governors and the Health ministry. While a few counties have implemented the deal, several others have not.
Strike, in whatever form, in the health sector is disruptive and tragic. A majority of the population depends on public health facilities; when they close down, it’s a big blow to the masses.
The issues in contention are straightforward. The counties and the national government should resolve them quickly.
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