Tana River nurses down tools over Covid-19 allowances

Tana River nurses strike paralyzing health services. [Hassan Barisa/Standard]

Health services at Hola Referral Hospital ground to a halt yesterday after nurses and medical workers abruptly downed their tools to protest unpaid allowances. 

The striking group was joined by all medical staff from three sub-counties. They reported to work normally but refused to attend to patients. 

The striking workers were demanding Covid-19 medical training allowances and immediate overhaul of senior medical officials in the county for incompetence among others. 

The Kenya National Union of Nurses Branch Secretary Darmon Kwaraa said they will not return to work until all their grievances are addressed. 

Three weeks ago, health practitioners issued a strike notice to the county government if their demands are not met. 

By yesterday all wards were deserted and in patients were referred to private clinics.