Kisumu: The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU), Nyanza Branch, has raised an alarm over the Kisumu County Government’s decision to freeze employment and career progression for healthcare workers.
According to Kenya News Agency, the union has expressed concerns in a letter to Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o, warning that the employment freeze, combined with the withdrawal of support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for the Human Resource of Health (HRH), would critically strain the healthcare sector.
The communication, signed by KMPDU Nyanza Branch Chairman Dr. Onyango Ndonga, highlighted the potential risk to the health of thousands of residents in Kisumu if the freeze continues. Ndonga emphasized that Kisumu County, already dealing with a high prevalence of HIV and other health challenges, should not reduce its focus on maintaining a robust healthcare workforce.
The union acknowledged the financial difficulties faced by the county but stressed that healthcare remains a fundamental right and a key factor in sustainable development. The current employment freeze is seen as exacerbating the healthcare crisis, increasing the vulnerability of those living with HIV, and possibly leading to preventable casualties and a resurgence of diseases.
The union also pointed out that career stagnation has taken a toll on healthcare workers’ morale, affecting the quality of service delivery. It stated that healthcare professionals in Kisumu have faced up to seven years without promotions or salary increases, despite possessing advanced qualifications and managing significant workloads, resulting in frustration and a potential exodus of skilled professionals.
KMPDU urged the governor to lift the employment and promotion freeze immediately, propose a plan to tackle staffing shortages and career development, and engage in meaningful discussions with the union and other relevant parties to devise long-term strategies for retaining and motivating the healthcare workforce.