The Employment and Labour Court has directed doctors of different cadres be present in public health hospitals to provide minimum safety services even as it extended orders suspending the countrywide strike.
Justice Byrum Ongaya said there should be at least two doctors per cadre; two medical officers, two dental officers and two pharmacists and at least two consultants to handle emergencies for all hospitals categorised as level 3, 4 and 5 until parties agree on a return-to-work formula.
For Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teacheing and Referral Hospital and Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital, the judge said there should be at least 30 consultants, 50 medical officers, 10 pharmacists and three dentists on duty for each of the referral facilities.
For Mathare Teaching and Referral hospital, the Justice Ongaya said there will be 10 consultants and three medical officers.
The Judge said the interim orders previously given for sustainable amicable solution in the strike notice and reconciliation proceedings on CBA and on minimum safety services shall remain in effect until conclusion, in 30 days, of the conciliatory talks and filing of relevant reports.
In the prevailing circumstances, the Judge was categorical that there will be no intimidation or harassment of union officials or members on account of the dispute before court.
He said any disciplinary cases being commenced or sustained should be suspended immediately to facilitate members of the union to render service unhindered.
Matter to be mentioned May 23.
