Medics' union on the spot after five doctors resign

Lamu, Kenya: The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMDPU) has been accused of working to undermine the health sector in Lamu after it supported the resignation of five doctors from two public hospitals.

An official of the county government claimed yesterday the five doctors resigned abruptly from the hospitals, abandoning patients who needed their care.

The doctors resigned last week from Mpeketoni Sub-county and King Fahad County hospitals, citing discrimination, poor housing and lack of the necessary equipment at the health facilities.

On Saturday, KMPDU officials led by the union’s Secretary General Ouma Oluga threatened to declare the Lamu County government as a hostile employer. But Dr Kombo said Dr Oluga’s threats and the doctors’ resignations threaten the medical sector in the county.