Meru health executive Dr George Mungania on Thursday had a hard time clarifying why the county government was not resolving a strike that started a month ago.
All health workers in Meru went on strike on August 1, paralyzing health service delivery in the county.
Angry health workers who marched in thr streets of Meru town before seeking audience with Dr Mungania shouted him down as he tried to explain his efforts.
“Clinical officers in the common cadre will receive promotion letters by September 13. These are the one’s who were delegated from the national government. The County Secretary Dr Kaimbi Atheru has written a letter and presented it to the Public Service Board board for the non common cadre to be promoted too,” Dr Mungania said.
Kenya Union of Nurses Meru Branch Secretary General, Nesbit Mugendi said the health crisis could have been resolved nine months ago.
Clinical Officers Secretary General, Moses Baiyenia, criticized the Mwangaza administration saying they will not go back to work until promotion letters are issued.
“No one should cheat the members of the public that this strike is political. Governor Mwangaza acknowledged she will meet and solve all health workers grievances including promotions, hiring more staff, remitt statutory deductions among others during her campaign period in 2022,” he said.
Upper Eastern KMPDU Chairman Denis Mugambi and Meru branch Nurses union chair Mugambi Bakari said majority of their colleagues have retired without replacement.
Elias Mutuma said their demands are achievable because not all their grievances needs allocation of funds.
However, Dr Mungania urged the health care workers to go back to work as County government has already set aside Sh211million for their promotions.
The two camps left without amicable solution because they did not agree way on thr forward.
The medics postponed their demos for six days to allow for issuance of promotion letters.
Their main demands have been immediate promotions and employment of staff as well as replacing the workers who have either passed away or left job for greener pastures.
