This archive report was first published on 25 August 2020.
As the doctors' strike in Nairobi County enters its fifth day, negotiations between the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) and the doctors continue.
On August 25, 2020, NMS Health Chief Officer Dr. Ouma Oluga made a statement at Pumwani hospital, where the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) had donated items worth Ksh. 4.5 million.
Dr. Oluga refuted reports that patients are being turned away and are not receiving medical attention due to the ongoing strike, saying, 'I think it's important that we paint a clear picture for Nairobians so that women do not suffer when they want to deliver. All health facilities are receiving people and there's not a single person that will go to hospital and fail to receive the care that they need even as we negotiate with our doctors to ensure that all issues are solved.'
He also insisted that service delivery in public hospitals is still ongoing and Nairobi residents should not be worried about the lack of healthcare services.
Dr. Oluga acknowledged the problems faced by healthcare workers, stating, 'I can attest that personally I know the problems of health Care workers. Those issues are being solved and they existed before including nurses who have not been paid for two years. NMS did not exist in two years, it came to solve the problem.'
The strike, which began on August 21, involves close to 320 doctors employed by the Nairobi County government, who are protesting against delayed salaries and inadequate protective equipment when handling patients who may have COVID-19.
