This archive report was first published on 11 July 2020.
On Saturday, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) announced that two nurses had lost their lives to Covid-19, bringing the total number of health workers who have succumbed to the virus to three.
According to a statement by KMPDU acting secretary-general Chibanzi Mwachonda, the union is urging the government to clarify the issue of settling bills for healthcare workers who are admitted due to Covid-19.
Dr Adisa Lugalika, a gynaecologist, was the first confirmed case of a healthcare worker dying from Covid-19, passing away on Thursday.
Mr Mwachonda expressed his condolences, saying, “it is unfortunate we have lost our own.”
The union is also reminding the public to adhere to containment measures and to take the coronavirus seriously, as it is a real threat to the health and well-being of Kenyans and healthcare workers alike.
“To Kenyans, the disease is real. You have a responsibility to protect not just yourselves, but we the health care workers. There is no amount of money that will compensate a family for the loss of their loved one. It is our civic duty to protect Kenyans, and these Kenyans are our relatives,” Mr Mwachonda said.
