The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has protested its alleged exclusion from the country's Ebola preparedness and response efforts, warning that inadequate protective equipment and limited involvement of healthcare workers could undermine efforts to contain the disease.
The union's concerns come amid reports of a third Ebola case in the country, reportedly identified through contact tracing linked to the first patient about two weeks ago.
Speaking after a union meeting in Naivasha, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah said doctors and other healthcare professionals had the expertise needed to support the government's response but had not been adequately involved.
Atellah called on the Ministry of Health to strengthen collaboration with healthcare workers and provide sufficient, quality protective equipment to safeguard medical personnel attending to suspected and confirmed cases.
He also urged the government to ensure that individuals identified through contact tracing are managed in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines to minimise the risk of further transmission.
“The Ebola outbreak requires a coordinated response, and our members are ready to support the government in addressing the emerging concerns,” Atellah said.
KMPDU National Chairman Dr. Ani Mwachi also criticised the Ministry of Health, accusing it of exposing healthcare workers to the disease by failing to ensure adequate preparedness and provide sufficient protective gear.
Mwachi called for doctors to be actively involved in planning and implementing Ebola preparedness and response measures, warning that healthcare workers must be protected as they carry out their duties.
Beyond the Ebola concerns, Atellah renewed pressure on the government to honour its commitment to employ more than 2,000 doctors, saying additional staffing was necessary to improve access to quality healthcare.
He also warned that the union could escalate industrial action if outstanding salary adjustments and other employment-related grievances remain unresolved.
According to Atellah, 29 counties have yet to implement previously agreed salary adjustments for doctors.
The union further raised concerns over delays in payments to hospitals by the Social Health Authority (SHA), warning that prolonged delays could disrupt the delivery of healthcare services.
Atellah said KMPDU could consider suspending services if the outstanding issues, including salary adjustments and delayed SHA remittances, are not addressed within the stated timelines.
The union's warning adds to growing pressure on both national and county governments to resolve longstanding disputes with healthcare workers over remuneration, staffing and the financing of public health services.
Meanwhile, Atellah announced plans to seek the Lang'ata parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election, saying his entry into politics would provide another avenue to push for reforms in the healthcare sector.
Mwachi said the union had unanimously endorsed Atellah's candidature, arguing that stronger representation in Parliament could help advance legislation and policies aimed at addressing challenges facing healthcare workers.
KMPDU member Dr. Mercy Nabwire echoed the concerns, saying doctors' issues had not received sufficient attention and arguing that their representation in Parliament was long overdue.
The union maintained that effective disease preparedness, better working conditions and sustained investment in healthcare personnel were essential to protecting both medical workers and the public.
