Church urges State, doctors to embrace dialogue

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has called for a truce between the government and the striking medics to end patients’ suffering.

KCCB chairman Archbishop Martin Kivuva said the ongoing strike has left patients suffering in public hospitals.

Kivuva said a truce between the two parties will be the best solution to the problem. The archbishop accused the government of intimidating medics who are agitating for their rights.

“We urge both parties to stop hard stands and dialogue to an amicable solution, we ask the government to stop intimidation and listen to the doctors because they are human too and have a right,” said Kivuva.

Health catastrophe

This happens as the country faces a health catastrophe after doctors in public facilities went on strike demanding among myriad issues better working conditions, implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), posting of medical interns and medical cover.

“As a church our wish is to see patients get services, because when the strike persists, those that depend on public hospitals end up suffering, it’s not right because they are taxpayers, we must end this stalemate to eliminate suffering,” said Kivuva.

Patients once assured of care now find themselves on their own as hospitals and doctors demand cash before treatment. The bishop said it was unfortunate to see taxpayers suffer at the expense of the strike stalemate.

Kivuva who was flanked by other catholic priests made the remarks on Sunday at the Our Lady of Africa Tudor Pastoral Centre, where he had joined thousands of Catholic Church congregants to mark the Palm Sunday service in Mombasa.

The cleric further cautioned road users to observe safety on the road following the rise of road carnage .