MERCY NZILU

Created on :Apr 02, 2024

Form 2 Student With Heart Complications At Stake As Doctors' Strike Persists

Josephine Atieno, a form two student at St. Ambrose Secondary School, finds herself in a critical condition, battling for her life at a private hospital. Her desperate situation arose after she was denied medical attention at Homa-Bay Level Four Referral Hospital due to the ongoing doctors' strike. Despite efforts to seek treatment at the private facility, the severity of Josephine's condition has necessitated a referral to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu.

The Matron of the private facility, Julia Wasonga, expressed concern over Josephine's deteriorating condition, highlighting that their resources were insufficient to provide the necessary care. This unfortunate predicament has left Josephine's parents in a state of distress and uncertainty, unsure of the outcome of their journey to either Kisumu or Nairobi, where specialized medical care may be available.

The nationwide doctors' strike, which has persisted for 20 days, has plunged the healthcare system into turmoil, leaving patients like Josephine stranded and without access to vital medical services. The doctors' demands for the government to honor the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) have not been met, leading to widespread protests and condemnation of government officials for their failure to address the issue.

In Kisumu and Nairobi, doctors have staged protests and held large assemblies to voice their grievances, refusing to return to work until their demands are met. As a result, numerous patients seeking treatment from public health facilities have been turned away, exacerbating an already dire situation.

Josephine's plight underscores the urgent need for a resolution to the doctors' strike and the prioritization of the healthcare needs of the population. The government must urgently engage in dialogue with medical practitioners to address their concerns and ensure that patients like Josephine receive the care they desperately need. The health and well-being of the nation's citizens cannot be compromised, and immediate action is imperative to prevent further loss of lives.