In the ongoing saga of the doctors’ strike in Kenya, the government, under the leadership of President William Ruto, has taken a stern stance, showing no leniency towards those participating in the protest. The latest casualty of this hardline approach is Dennis Miskellah, the Deputy Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU), who has been dismissed from his position for his involvement in the strike.
Adding to the tension, termination letters have been dispatched to numerous doctors affiliated with the KMPDU, signaling a no-nonsense attitude from the government.
Miskellah, speaking out about his termination, revealed that he had not received his salary for the past 19 months, with promises of reinstatement failing to materialize. Instead, he found himself handed a dismissal letter, a consequence of his active participation in the ongoing strike.
Despite the setback, Miskellah remains resolute, expressing his conviction that he has committed no wrongdoing. He reflects on the price one must pay for liberty, emphasizing the necessity of remaining vigilant in the face of adversity.
In a recent interview, Miskellah underscored the collective understanding among striking doctors that their objectives come with sacrifices. This sentiment echoes the prevailing sentiment among healthcare professionals who are advocating for improved working conditions and better healthcare services for the citizens of Kenya.
However, amidst the escalating tension, the judiciary has intervened, albeit with conditions. The Labor Court’s ruling mandated that doctors resume their duties to attend to emergency cases while negotiations between the union and the government continue.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Byram Ongaya of the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Nairobi emphasized the critical importance of maintaining essential services, particularly in hospitals designated as level III, level IV, and level V. The court stipulated that a minimum presence of two doctors from each professional rank is necessary to ensure the provision of emergency medical care.
As the standoff between healthcare workers and the government persists, the implications for public health and the broader healthcare system remain at the forefront. The dismissal of key figures within the KMPDU and the termination of numerous doctors only serve to deepen the divide, exacerbating an already precarious situation.
In the midst of this turmoil, the welfare of patients hangs in the balance, underscoring the urgent need for dialogue and resolution. The challenges faced by both healthcare workers and the government must be addressed through constructive engagement, prioritizing the well-being of all stakeholders and the integrity of the healthcare system.
As the nation navigates these turbulent waters, the hope remains that a swift and amicable resolution can be reached, restoring trust and confidence in Kenya’s healthcare sector. Until then, the struggle for equitable healthcare access and fair working conditions continues, with the fate of countless lives hanging in the balance.
