Kenya: Doctors’ strike at Kenyatta Hospital (Nairobi) March 5

Event

An estimated 700 doctors walked off the job at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi on Monday, March 5. The doctors are striking to protest the recent suspension of their colleagues for a brain surgery mix-up in which the wrong patient was subjected to the operation. The doctors claim the mistake was a result of incorrect labeling by the ward staff and that the registrar, the specialist doctor in training, two nurses,  and anesthesiologist who were suspended are being unfairly victimized.

Kenyatta Hospital is the region’s largest referral hospital and receives over 3000 patients a day; reduced services linked to the work stoppage are to be expected, which may overburden other hospitals in the area. The doctors have not stated how long they intend to strike.

Context

The Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union in Kenya defended the suspended staffers at the hospital following the surgical mistake, calling the suspension a knee-jerk reaction that will not address the underlying problem of overwhelming staffing shortages. The union supports the strike, claiming it creates an opportunity to re-examine the entire system at Kenyatta Hospital.

Advice

Individuals present in Nairobi are advised to confirm doctor's appointments, to anticipate longer waiting times in medical facilities for the duration of the strike, and to avoid any potential protests.