Caption: Machakos Governor said he would engage medical practitioners from neighboring countries like Tanzania and even South Africa to ensure normalcy is restored in the health sector. Photo: Rose Mukonyo/hivisasa.com
Machakos Governor Dr Alfred Mutua has given an ultimatum of 24 hours to the striking doctors from Machakos County to return to work or face the sack.
Speaking at Kangundo High school grounds on Wednesday, the Governor said the demands made by the doctors were unrealistic and unattainable.
“This strike has been politicized and therefore if these doctors do not resume work they will be replaced,” he said.
He also said he would engage medical practitioners from neighboring countries like Tanzania and even South Africa to ensure normalcy is restored in the health sector.
“All the lives we have lost as Kenyans as a result of the doctor’s strike is in their hands, theirs is a calling, not just a profession,” he said.
The big question should be; Is Machakos County in a position to hire doctors from the neighbouring countries while it has been unable to pay local doctors? Will the county be able to sustain the new doctors after hiring them? And if they hire them, where will they get the money to pay these new doctors that it could not afford to pay the current doctors?