Machakos medics vow to continue with their strike

Doctors in Machakos County have vowed to continue with their ongoing strike until their grievances are heard and acted upon.

The doctors are also demanding a meeting with Machakos Governor Dr. Alfred Mutua insisting that no talks will be held in his absence.

In a press statement, the Machakos governor however said that the county government hospitals are operating well adding that the county had hired doctors from the private sector and some volunteer doctors to fill the gap left by the striking doctors.

Mutua further issued a 48-hour ultimatum for striking doctors to resume duty or face disciplinary action.

“We are open to discussions, but we will not bow down to blackmail and underhand union tactics. We are prepared to operate at status quo for as long as it takes” read the statement in part

However doctors who sought anonymity told Citizen Digital today that two meetings took place yesterday to resolve the stalemate but did not bear any fruit as the governor had already issued the 48 hour ultimatum.

Earlier on, a section of MCAs led by Cornelius Kitheka urged the governor to meet the doctors and resolve the stalemate.

The members of the county assembly further lamented over political interference in the health sector citing mismanagement in the hospitals which has forced the doctors to down their tools.

Over 120 doctors in Machakos County have withdrawn their services in all hospitals in the county.