Embu: Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire has issued a warning to healthcare workers, emphasizing that laxity and poor service delivery will not be tolerated. The warning comes days after a woman gave birth on a hospital verandah at Kiritiri Level Four Hospital in Mbeere South Constituency without professional assistance, causing a huge public uproar.
According to Kenya News Agency, the incident that happened on Thursday night forced the County Government to suspend the Clinical Officer and a guard for mishandling the woman. Governor Mbarire has stated that medical negligence will not be tolerated and her administration will not hesitate to dismiss errant health workers. "We will not spare any effort to take disciplinary measures against healthcare workers who fail to deliver quality medical services in our public facilities," she said.
Speaking from her office, the governor regretted that such laxity was undermining her efforts to improve and strengthen the healthcare system. She announced that going forward, her administration will be conducting impromptu inspections of health facilities to ensure optimal service delivery to the public. "The challenge we are having is that some of our medical staff abandon work and shift focus in their private clinics especially at night," she said.
To enhance accountability, the Governor announced plans to introduce a biometric tracking system for healthcare workers. She also said her Government was progressively working towards ensuring all facilities are equipped with adequate staff and medical supplies. At the same time, she urged residents to continue registering with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to access affordable healthcare services. Her sentiments were echoed by Senator Alexander Mundigi who said healthcare workers who neglect their duties have no place in public service.