It is no coincidence that in these days the data of the Covid-19 emergency concern very few swabs analysed (about 2500 yesterday) and that the number of official positives is reduced to historic lows (114).
Kenya is in fact facing a major health crisis, after doctors yesterday joined nurses and laboratory officials in a nationwide strike after a two-week extension and an ultimatum expired on Sunday evening.
Just a fortnight ago, on the eve of a general strike called by all categories of health workers in Kenya, it seemed that the crisis could be resolved.
Even the Senate, in approving some resolutions on overtime, pensions and life insurance for hospital workers, had opened the door. But even yesterday, the practical applications of these concessions were not seen.
So the professional associations came together and issued a final warning to Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe. "He must not throw intimidation at us," they said at his address, "but welcome our proposals, full stop.
Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina, who co-chaired the session in Parliament, pleaded with health workers not to abandon the sick at this sensitive time.
MP Joshua Kuttuny told the doctors to mark yesterday's negotiations as part of the solution to their plight, and to remove the strike notice as they are beginning to see the "light at the end of the tunnel".
"We are open to dialogue, but if the conditions we have set are not defined , all doctors in the country, including those who teach in universities, will stay at home," said a representative of the union.
The main issues (lack of personal protective equipment, adjustments to safety standards to avoid further deaths among workers, after the 30 that have already occurred since March) have been dragging on for almost eight months and it was hoped that it would not be necessary to reach a critical moment such as the Christmas holidays to confront each side with its conscience.
The cadres of doctors who will be on strike include medical officer interns, pharmacist interns, dentist interns, medical officers, pharmacists, dentists, medical specialists and all medical superintendents.
Meanwhile on Saturday, Minister Kagwe confirmed the tug-of-war with the unions, directing county governments to issue job advertisements to replace striking health workers. Mutahi urged more than 8,000 unemployed nurses to apply for the vacancies.
(Source: People Daily)