Medical Standoff: KMPDU Sues IG Koome Day After Issuing Threats on Doctors’ Strike
Davji Atellah, the Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists Dentists Union (KMPDU), has declared that the union has taken legal action against Japhet Koome, the Inspector General of Police.
During a press briefing on Monday, April 15, the Secretary-General pointed out that his statement followed the Inspector General’s comments and warnings made the previous Sunday.
Atellah stressed that the doctors would not be swayed by threats, victimization, or intimidation to end their strike. He emphasized the need for the union and the government to convene and negotiate a viable agreement.
“As KMPDU and other societies, we have already proceeded to court against the defamatory statement that was released yesterday. As a union we will serve the IG,” he stated.
The medical professional commented that the Inspector General is unable to violate the Constitution and should instead seek a peaceful resolution rather than making threats.
Atellah restated that the KMPDU and other labor organizations were prepared to engage with stakeholders to find a resolution, thereby putting an end to the strike that has resulted in hospitals being understaffed and patients not receiving essential medical attention.
Furthermore, Atellah emphasized the counterproductive nature of employing foreign doctors who ultimately do not pass the required examination. He also cited the case of Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH), which had enlisted foreign doctors to address staffing shortages.
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“The hospital decided to import doctors and consultants, today in an interview by KMPDC all except one failed the test. This means that the services the doctors are offering in different hospitals, they have mastered the craft over time they can’t be replaced by picking anyone from the streets,” he added.
He called on the government to cease endangering patients’ lives by neglecting their needs. Atellah stressed that engaging in negotiations was the sole path to resolving the ongoing strike.
In the meantime, IG Koome expressed dissatisfaction on Sunday, stating that the protesting doctors were causing disturbance by using whistles and vuvuzelas in the streets.
He additionally voiced concerns about the doctors occupying roads and sidewalks, causing traffic disruptions. Koome thus urged all Police Commanders nationwide to address this issue decisively.
Koome additionally advised medical practitioners to refrain from violating the Constitution by neglecting to notify the police about their plans for demonstrations. However, the Secretary-General of KMPDU rejected this standpoint.
Kenyans criticized the statements made by the Inspector General (IG), with Abidan Mwachi, the chairperson of KMPDU, pointing out how Koome was exacerbating the situation in Kenya.
Mwachi also appealed to President William Ruto for assistance in addressing the issue while the Head of State was denouncing Iran’s assaults on Israel.
“The intended attack presents a real threat to the purported whole nation negations and contravenes the charter by International Labour Organisation (ILO) and should be condemned by all peace-loving Kenyans,” he stated.
Medical Standoff: KMPDU Sues IG Koome Day After Issuing Threats on Doctors’ Strike