•Pharmacists said the well-being of Kenyan patients must remain paramount
•The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) in a statement on Tuesday said the well-being of Kenyan patients must remain paramount
Image: LEAH MUKANGAI
Pharmacists have called for constructive dialogue to end the biting strike in the health sector.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) has urged the government and relevant stakeholders to take immediate action to address the grievances of healthcare professionals.
In a statement on Tuesday, PSK President Louis Machogu emphasized that the health of Kenyan patients should be the top priority.
He highlighted the importance of working together to guarantee the continuous provision of vital healthcare services across the country.
"At the heart of this issue lies the fundamental right of Kenyan patients to receive timely and quality healthcare services," Machogu said.
"PSK urges all parties involved to prioritize the needs of patients and work towards a swift resolution that safeguards their access to healthcare," he added.
PSK, however, expressed strong support for the ongoing demonstrations led by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU).
It also endorsed their call for fair treatment and improved working conditions for all healthcare professionals in Kenya.
According to Machogu, medical interns play a crucial role in healthcare delivery, hence the need for the government to expedite their posting.
He said this would bolster the workforce and alleviate the strain on existing medical personnel.
"We urgently call upon the government to address the legitimate concerns raised to ensure uninterrupted access to high-quality healthcare services for all Kenyans," he noted.
PSK further called on the government to uphold and honor the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement on basic salaries and benefits for healthcare professionals.
Failure to do so not only undermines the morale of medical personnel but also jeopardizes the quality of patient care, he warned.
Machogu emphasized that as PSK, they stress the significance of following staffing guidelines in healthcare facilities.
He said the employment of doctors should align with these norms to ensure adequate coverage and accessibility of medical services for all Kenyan citizens.
This is even as the doctors' strike which started on March 14 entered its 28th day on Wednesday.
They have since been joined by clinical officers, lab techs with other unions also issuing their strike notices.
This has left patients who rely on the public healthcare system in pain as they are unable to access essential healthcare services.
The health workers have maintained that they will not go back to work until all their grievances are met by the government.