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A nurse checks haemodialysis machine used for dialysis at the Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital in Nakuru. February 1, 2018. [Mercy Kahenda, Standard]
The county government plans to recruit 16 specialised doctors.
The County Public Service Board (PSB) has advertised positions of eight medical officers, two pharmacists, two dentists, ear nose and throat medic, neurologist, oncologist and family health specialist.
"The specialised doctors shall help provide quality services to patients across the county," said County Health Executive Kariuki Gichuki.
According to a health report, there are 113 doctors serving 184 hospitals against 156 required medics, 14 dentists against 22, while medical specialists are 34 against 71 required. Some seven dental specialists handle patients in the county.
Dr Gichuki said employment of medics in respective cadres is a continuous programme.
Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union South Rift General Secretary Davji Attelah welcomed the move, saying it will be a relief to patients seeking specialised healthcare.
"Employment of doctors is a brilliant idea to guarantee timely quality services," said Dr Atellah.
In the last three years, about 100 doctors have resigned in the county, with 60 of them going back for specialised studies.
According to Nakuru Health Sector Strategy and Investment plan of 2018/2022, the workforce in the department is 5,122, of which 2,724 are community health workers.
The report notes that there are only 41 consultants in the county against the target of 99 required as per staffing norm.
"Due to shortage of staff, health workers are forced to perform duties which are not under their specialty," reads a section of the report.
According to Atellah, at least 200 doctors should be employed in a span of three years to bridge the gap.
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