There is no end in sight for Kisumu residents after striking medics vowed to stand their ground and continue deserting public medical facilities until their demands are addressed.
Under their union; The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU), the medics who have been on strike since December 6, want among others, promotions.
Speaking in Kisumu on Saturday, KMPDU Nyanza Branch Chair Kevin Osuri said that until the county government addresses their demands, they will remain away.
He advised patients of public hospitals to seek alternatives, until the governor Anyang' Nyong'o's leadership keeps its side of the bargain, as per the CBA signed between the two sides.
“Promotion is not favour, this is our right and we deserve to be given the right that we negotiated for with the county government of Kisumu,” Osuri is quoted.
The medics are also demanding for study leaves and medical insurance. They have since refused to collect their promotion letters from the County Chief Officer of Health, terming them mere 'love letters'.
The union now want the public to help push the county to realize the demands, and also wants those who cannot afford private health attention to move to other counties.
“We are telling you that the doctors of Kisumu County will not be on duty, we are on strike. We are asking the members of the public to please seek health services in private facilities and you can move to other neighbouring counties,” added the chairman.