Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atellah has expressed skepticism regarding the ability of newly appointed Health Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, to effectively handle the demands of the Health Ministry. Speaking to the media on Sunday, March 30, Atellah raised concerns over Duale's lack of understanding of the intricacies of Kenya’s health sector and its challenges.
Atellah, who has long been an advocate for medical practitioners and the welfare of health workers in the country, emphasized that Duale’s appointment could present challenges, especially in light of his limited knowledge of the sector. “I am skeptical about how well Duale will handle the weight of the Health Ministry. His understanding of how the health sector operates in this country seems inadequate,” Atellah stated during the press conference.
Atellah compared Duale's background to that of his immediate predecessor, Deborah Barasa, whom he described as having a more comprehensive grasp of the health sector’s challenges. "If you look back at the previous interactions we had with a non-doctor, which was Susan Nakhumicha, she called for the strike last year because she could not understand the role of doctors and interns. Even her approach to healthcare was politicized," Atellah said, referencing former CS Susan Nakhumicha's controversial tenure.
The KMPDU Secretary General, however, had positive remarks about Deborah Barasa’s leadership. “When we had Deborah, it was the first time in the history of the union that an issued strike notice failed to materialize because she understood the role of doctors and the needs of the health sector,” Atellah added.
In a stern warning, Atellah urged Duale to avoid repeating the mistakes of his predecessors, particularly the politicization of healthcare issues. He stressed the need for Duale to focus on the effective implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and to ensure that it serves all Kenyans equitably. “Duale should refrain from politicizing the sector, and instead focus on how the SHA will work for everyone,” he cautioned.
One of the key issues Atellah highlighted was the longstanding challenges surrounding the welfare of medical interns and the pending Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which has historically triggered strikes in the health sector. “We don’t participate in politics. We only participate in withholding our skills, and no amount of politics can solve the issues that are pending, such as the issues of interns and the CBA,” Atellah said. “If Duale doesn’t understand these concerns, he should take the time to learn.”
Atellah’s concerns came just hours after CS Aden Duale made public statements outlining his priorities for the Ministry of Health. Speaking on Sunday, Duale vowed to tackle corruption within the health sector, particularly targeting cartels that, according to him, have undermined the government's efforts toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“We will deal with those who have been sabotaging the efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage,” Duale stated, emphasizing that his government would not tolerate individuals with personal interests standing in the way of public health objectives. He assured Kenyans that, with the backing of President William Ruto, the implementation of UHC would be a key priority of his ministry. “With the commitment of the president and my commitment, I want to assure Kenyans that universal healthcare is for all citizens,” Duale declared.
Duale also addressed the issue of cartels within the health system, urging them to either work for the benefit of the public or step aside. “For those with personal interests, they better come to their senses and decide whether they want to work for citizens or work for themselves,” Duale added, signaling his intention to reform the sector.
As both Atellah and Duale set their sights on improving the Kenyan healthcare system, the coming months will reveal how the new Health Cabinet Secretary navigates the complexities of the sector. Atellah’s remarks underscore the importance of a leader with deep knowledge of the healthcare system, especially when it comes to addressing the concerns of medical professionals and ensuring that the government’s health policies are effectively implemented.
0 $type={facebook}:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.