Oncology services at the Kenyatta University Teaching Research and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH) have resumed amid the ongoing doctors strike...
Oncology services at the Kenyatta University Teaching Research and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH) have resumed amid the ongoing doctors strike, after the facility hired five medical professionals from the East African region.
The services are currently limited to cancer treatment at the oncology department, which is the hospital’s flagship area, according to Prof Olive Mugenda, the Board Chairperson.
Addressing journalists after inspecting operations, Prof Mugenda revealed that the hospital has hired five doctors from the East African region, including three from Ethiopia and one each from Tanzania and Malawi.
“Despite the impact of the doctor’s strike, some of our doctors are still offering services in critical areas such as the radiotherapy department, imaging center, renal center, and accident and emergency,” Prof Mugenda stated.
However, she noted that the oncology department had stopped services, affecting many cancer patients who were undergoing treatment.
To address this, the hospital sought permission and assistance from the government to hire clinical oncologists from the region, who started attending to patients from Monday.
As a result, chemotherapy services have resumed, benefitting both existing patients who had paused treatment due to the strike and new cases.
Prof Mugenda emphasized that the foreign doctors would continue working at the facility even after the strike ends, considering the high number of cancer patients the hospital receives.
While expressing relief about the resumption of services, Prof Mugenda appealed to the striking doctors to heed the government’s plea to return to work and engage in dialogue regarding their demands.
She highlighted that the hospital had taken disciplinary measures against some striking doctors, including dismissals and suspensions, due to the unwarranted nature of the strike.
Currently, approximately 82 doctors are working at KUTRRH, while 132 doctors are engaging in the industrial action.
Prof Mugenda also criticized the striking doctors for advocating for interns’ posting and pay, noting that interns are not members of the Kenya Medical, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU).
She mentioned that the government has made a favorable offer to interns, urging them to complete their internship and secure employment opportunities.
Patients at KUTRRH expressed relief about the resumption of medical services at the premier public hospital, especially considering its critical role in handling cancer cases.
By Vivian K.
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