Health Services Paralyzed at Nduru Hospital After the Attack of Health Workers

By Elizabeth Angira

Worth Noting:

• Kisii Branch Secretary Kenya Union of Clinical Officers, Victor Bwanchete said that, in what it appeared to be a well-organized attack; the mob was seen breaking into the Kisii county government van that had ferried the officer to the facility.
• Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Union -Nyanza Branch Secretary Dr Orwenyo Aggrey, said that Kisii county government through the department of health in the process of taking stock and making good use of hospital equipment lying idle in some facilities, agreed to borrow one anesthesia machine from the hospital to enable the county provide theatre services in another facility that had closed down its theatre services due to faulty anesthesia machine.

The health workers stationed at Nduru Sub County Hospital have been withdrawn until the Kisii county government guarantees them their safety.

Speaking with the press, Healthcare unions have condemned the barbaric incident where the county health team was attacked in the line duty at Nduru sub-County hospital compound, South Mugirango.

It is alleged that the attack was well organized attack by members of the local community sponsored by some local politicians.

On April, 12, 2023, a mob of armed goons forced themselves into the hospital and attacked county health team who was on official duty, hurling stones and other crude and other crude objects at the officers as they escaped for their safety.

Kisii Branch Secretary Kenya Union of Clinical Officers, Victor Bwanchete said that, in what it appeared to be a well-organized attack; the mob was seen breaking into the Kisii county government van that had ferried the officer to the facility.

Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Union -Nyanza Branch Secretary Dr Orwenyo Aggrey, said that Kisii county government through the department of health in the process of taking stock and making good use of hospital equipment lying idle in some facilities, agreed to borrow one anesthesia machine from the hospital to enable the county provide theatre services in another facility that had closed down its theatre services due to faulty anesthesia machine.

Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officer- Kisii Branch said that the that, the communication was officially made by the chief officer of health, apparently the hospital had two anesthesia machines with only one in use rendering one idle.

Kenya Health Professional Society Kisii Branch chairperson Dennis Bosire said that, mob people   from the surrounding community had been mobilized to attack the officers who were sent to pick the machine, the attack started at the exact time as the machine was being carried to the Kisii county government van.

The union said that some of the leaders have since gone public inciting the local community not allow relocation of the equipment.

Kenya National Union of Nurses- Kisii branch Moses Rian’ga said that borrowing and transfer of hospital equipment and services is normal occurrence within the county government facilities and as health unions, they condemn the incident and leaders who incite communities to act as obstacles to government work that is aimed at effective service delivery to the people and more especially live saving services.

The unions in health department resolved to declare the hospital and surrounding community hostile.

County Director of Medical Services Dr Matiko Giabe asked security agencies to move with speed and investigate the matter with urgency and those who will found culpable to face the law.

They also asked the Kisii county government to find a political solution in the affected area in order to foster confidence in the health workers before they resume duties.