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Health workers from Gatundu District Hospital on Tuesday went on strike, demanding better working conditions.

The doctors and nurses also demanded salary arrears and protested over delayed promotions.

According to the hospital's Medical Superintendent Joseph Nyaaga, the health workers have not been paid their September salaries .

Mr Nyaga claimed that doctors, who were promoted by the Public Service Commission, have not been paid their arrears.

He also blamed the county government of Kiambu of failing to expedite stagnated promotions for doctors in accordance to the agreement which was signed by county government and doctors.

The striking doctors vowed to continue with their strike till their grievances are addressed.

“We will not return to work until all our grievances are addressed," said Mr Nyaga.

Patients who visited the health facility for treatment were stranded without knowing their next move. 

Some opted to seek medical attention from private hospitals.

The strike comes at at time when the country is likely to face a major health crisis if county governments do not promote heath workers, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has said.

KMPDU has faulted counties for the stalemate, saying they have not shown commitment to improve the health sector.

The union is also opposed to the manner in which the Transition Authority and the Governors’ Council are handling devolution of health services.