Resume to work or risk losing your jobs, Natembeya tells striking medics

Return to work or risk losing your job, striking doctors and clinical officers in Trans Nzoia have been told.

 Governor George Natembeya demanded their immediate return to work, expressing frustration over health state of patients.

"Patients lives were at stake so it is either you return to work or you risk losing your jobs" Natembeya said. He was addressing an engagement forum at Kitale School Primary School on Monday.

 County boss questioned the reasons behind the medics’ decision to down their tools.

He asserted that his administration had already addressed most of the concerns raised by the doctors, except for promotions for nine physicians, which the County Public Service Board was actively working on.

“Enough is enough,” declared Natembeya. “We cannot allow patients to suffer while those hired to care for them engage in private practice.The striking doctors need to prioritize their duty to the community.”

The Governor also noted several employed graduate clinical officers who were absent from their stations. He urged the clinicians to provide valid reasons for boycotting their duties.

Natembeya warned that if the doctors did not return to work promptly, their April salaries would be withheld, and they could face summary dismissal.

He further asserted considering sourcing replacement of medical personnel from neighboring Uganda.

“We can take a leaf out of Mandera County’s book,” Natembeya asserted. “They successfully hired doctors from Ethiopia. I am willing to explore similar options within the East African Protocol.”

While expressing solidarity with the medics’ union, the Governor called on the Ministry of Health to address outstanding arrears and intern positions.

The situation remains tense as both sides grapple with the impact of the strike on healthcare services in Trans Nzoia County.