Recent reports from an amorphous propaganda tool, known for speculation, and Eastleigh Voice, an emerging blogspot, have stirred concerns about the ongoing nurses’ strike at Isiolo County Referral Hospital.
TTN News Network conducted an exhaustive investigation, securing pertinent correspondence from the staff and health department, and an exclusive interview with Mr. Abdirahman, Chief Officer of Medical Services.
Mr. Abdirahman expressed regret over the strike’s continuation despite the County’s efforts to resolve issues raised by the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN). “As of June 20, 2024, the County has remitted all outstanding statutory deductions and salaries up to April,” he emphasized. “This was done despite the County receiving exchequer disbursements only up to March.”
The County Secretary’s correspondence underscored the strike’s illegality, highlighting instances where non-union and contracted nurses had solidarity absences, necessitating a directive for immediate duty resumption or facing disciplinary action.
Uninterrupted Healthcare Services
Mr. Abdirahman affirmed uninterrupted services at Isiolo County Referral Hospital despite the strike. “We deployed additional medical staff by renewing contracts for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff,” he explained.
Efforts to address nurses’ grievances are ongoing, with a finalized return-to-work agreement expected by June 25, 2024, aiming to resolve issues promptly.
The health sector remains a top priority in Isiolo County’s budget, with detailed financial reports accessible to the public for transparent fund utilization. Continuous upgrades in hospital infrastructure and medical equipment are also underway to improve healthcare delivery.
The Isiolo County Government reaffirms its commitment to quality healthcare despite challenges posed by the strike. “We urge the public to support our healthcare workers and seek information from reliable sources,” Mr. Abdirahman concluded.
