The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Union (KMPDU) has expressed concerns over the working condition for its members in Baringo county.
Unions North Rift Secretary General Ishmael Ayabei says doctors working in several top county hospitals are frustrated due to the poor working conditions.
Speaking to the press in Eldoret town on Saturday, Ayabei issued the county government of Baringo with a 14-day ultimatum to call for a meeting with KMPDU officials to discuss the matter.
He said so far, four doctors have quit due to poor working conditions, among them a surgeon who was working at the county hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
“The only doctor now working at the ICU is the one that came in recently from Cuba but so far four specialists have already left work because of the frustrating environment,” said Ayabei.
The KMPDU North Rift Secretary General further lamented over the shortage of medical doctors in Kabarnet and Eldama Ravine county hospitals.
“Kabarnet has only 5 doctors yet it requires 20 medical officers. It also has only 4 specialists against the needed number of at least 12. For Eldama Ravine Hospital, it has four doctors yet it needs at least 12,” he noted.
Ayabei further faulted the county government for failing to replace doctors who have quit, including a surgeon who recently retired.
KMPDU now wants the Governor Stanley Kiptis-led county to address the issue within the issued ultimatum failure to which doctors will take the next move, down tools.
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