This archive report was first published on 2 July 2019.
Published on July 2, 2019, a union official in Nakuru County has raised concerns about the overwork of doctors in the region. According to Devji Atellah, a South Rift official of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Union (KMPDU), doctors are not taking leave while some work without rest due to the shortage of medics in health facilities in Nakuru and Naivasha towns.
Atellah stated that more than 100 doctors have resigned in the last two years, with about 60 having gone back for studies to specialize in various fields. The Nakuru Level Five Hospital, which has new oncology, renal, and heart departments, is only manned by 20 doctors, a number he described as low.
"Quality of service delivery will be affected since we are not having adequate human resource," Atellah said. He added that at least 200 doctors should be employed in a span of three years to bridge the gap.
Doctors interviewed at the Naivasha Sub-county Hospital revealed they had high workloads and were unable to discuss treatment options with patients. A doctor at the hospital, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of being victimized, said he sometimes orders unnecessary tests because he does not have enough time to examine patients.
Another doctor at the Nakuru Level Five Hospital said he had not taken leave in the last two years due to the acute shortage of medics. He stated that medics work for more than 168 hours per week, against the World Health Organisation's recommendation of 40 hours.
"We only take two days off in a month, an issue that affects quality work. Doctors report at 8am and leave as late as 8pm," the doctor said.
Health Executive Kariuki Gichuki downplayed claims of a shortage of doctors, stating that there are plans to employ more medics to provide quality services.
