Has Kenyan entered into a potholed terrain in efforts to pushing for the affordable Health Care in the country? In case you don’t know, President Uhuru Kenyatta has invested a lot to make sure that this dream comes to life. But how will this possible when Nurses have downed their tools and the government unconditionally forces them to report back to work by Friday?
Will the Universal Health Care achieved by threats and empty promises? Will dictatorial directives be the driving force towards the realization of this piece of Uhuru Big Four Agenda?
President Uhuru Kenyatta has ordered all nurses to report to work by February 15 or face dismissal by the county government and the Health ministry.
Last week, the court suspended the nurses’ strike for 60 days. This was after the Council of Governors sought an injunction to enable both parties to negotiate.
“Any nurse who fails to report to work will be dismissed by the county and the ministry of health. The government will be at liberty to take any action as they deem appropriate,” Uhuru said.
As the Commander-in-Chief, I have instructed the National Police Service to take stern action against picketers who might harass public service for going to work,” he said.
This directive which is suppressing to nurses comes just days after the Counties which were chosen to pilot the UHC program given a go ahead to hire more health workers.
Any positive step towards achieving this important UHC initiative is hit by a wave of opposition.
But the government can achieve this big agenda without collaborating with the nurses and medical practitioners who are pertinent in pushing for this agenda.
The best thing is to look into the queries and find a lasting solution. But that is not possible for now. Let us wait till Friday to see how Nurses will respond to this.