- The bishop said the ongoing strike is worsening an already strained healthcare system, leaving thousands without access to essential medical care.
- In many public health facilities, clinics have been abandoned, ICU’s closed and many referral hospitals are declining to admit patients.
Image: Alice Waithera
Murang’a Bishop James Wainaina has appealed to both doctors and the government to soften their stance on the strike to reprieve suffering Kenyans.
The bishop said the ongoing strike is worsening an already strained healthcare system, leaving thousands without access to essential medical care.
In many public health facilities, clinics have been abandoned, ICU’s closed and many referral hospitals are declining to admit patients.
This, he said, may result in an extensive loss of lives, with the situation aggravated by other interested parties that are taking sides in the strike.
He urged the Ministry of Health and county governments to prioritise dialogue with the doctors in order for a solution to be found.
“The government should embrace dialogue to agree to listen to the grievances of the doctors. It has a responsibility to address the legitimate concerns they are raising,” he said.
The bishop who was speaking during a church service at Gaitega Catholic church, called on both parties to put aside their differences and find mutually beneficial solutions with the ultimate goal of reprieving sick Kenyans in dire need of medical attention.
“It is important for doctors to understand that while it is essential for them to have their concerns addressed, it is equally important for the government to ensure public health systems are not disrupted.”
He further urged stakeholders in the sectors to recognise the gravity of the situation and demonstrate commitment to finding a common ground that he said will safeguard the fundamental right to healthcare for all Kenyans.
The bishop also called on the government to identify the root cause of alcoholism in the country and stem it.
According to him, while closing bars and limiting drinking hours are vital steps, it is the production of substandard and illicit liqour that must be stopped to address the issue.
Suppliers, he said, must be identified and sanctioned, and their businesses closed with immediate effect and alternative livelihoods provided for sellers.
He however underscored the need for the government to ensure it identifies alternative methods of spending free time to lure the youths away from drinking dens.
“There are neighbourhoods where schools are closing because of lack of learners apparently resulting from alcoholism and drugs abuse. Such communities need to be more proactive and provide psycho-social support with the government’s help.”
He lauded the government for waging a war against alcoholism in the country saying the effects of illicit alcohol and drugs have wrecked the economies of individual families and caused many deaths.
“I am very much concerned about the deaths that occurred in Kirinyaga which could have been avoided had certain measures been taken by those concerned.”
The bishop also asked parents to cultivate close relationships with their children in order to identify and address any negative influence on them during the April holidays.
He said the family unit is facing serious threats and appealed to the legislature to oppose laws that are against the integrity of the family institution, reiterating that marriage as desired by God is between a man and a woman.