Doctors push for closure of 13 Kiambu hospitals over safety fears

KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah. [File, Standard]

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has called for the immediate closure of 13 public hospitals in Kiambu County, citing grave concerns over patient safety and the ongoing doctors' strike.

In a letter on Tuesday, August 5, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah warned that conditions in the affected facilities had become untenable due to the absence of medical consultants.

He noted that intern doctors had reported being unable to complete critical training assessments, while newly hired contract doctors expressed fears about delivering care without senior supervision.

"This has compromised the quality of care and placed the lives of patients at imminent risk," noted Atellah.

The union submitted the request to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council Chief Executive Officer Dr. David Kariuki, urging immediate action.

The 13 facilities named include Kiambu, Thika and Gatundu Level V hospitals, as well as Tigoni, Ruiru, Igegania, Kihara, Wangige, Lari, Luseggeti, Karuri, Gachororo and Githunguri Level IV hospitals.

KMPDU insisted the hospitals remain closed until the issues behind the strike are resolved.

"We urge your offices to act swiftly to safeguard patient safety and uphold the standards of medical training and practice," said Atellah.

The doctors' strike, ongoing for weeks, has disrupted health services in several counties, with Kiambu emerging as one of the worst affected.