Medical services paralysed after watchman shuts gate demanding unpaid dues

Medical services were paralyzed in Antubochiu Dispensary in Igembe South Sub County after the dispensary’s watchman closed the gate of the healthy facility blocking nurses and patients from accessing it over unpaid dues.

Speaking to Citizen Digital at the dispensary, Shadrack Kaberia Ciokinyua said he would not open the gate until his one year and two months salary arrears are paid in full.

Kaberia said his problems began when the devolution system was implemented, noting that the national government paid his salary by the 5^th of every month.

“I spend all night in the cold, the doctors come and give out medication and leave me here. My children have not reported to school due to lack of school fees and feeding my family is a challenge. I decided it was better to stay here until my problems are sorted instead of going home,” said Kaberia.

He stated that he was ready to face the full force of the law while agitating for his right, adding that the pain he goes through is unbearable.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, the facility’s chairman, Mr Gregory Mwiti, admitted that the watchman had not been paid for some time, adding that they have been facing challenges running the facility due to lack of funds.

He, however, promised strike a deal with the watchman so that normal services resume.

Romano Mwenda, a clinical officer at the dispensary, intimated that other casual laborers withdrew their services due to unpaid salaries, noting that Mr Kaberia was the only one who remained and has been providing security for the facility without pay.

He added that they are working with the sub-county health administrator to ensure the matter is sorted out amicably.

Written by Erick Kombo