The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) has threatened to withdraw its members from health facilities across Embu County, alleging a failing healthcare system.
The Union accused the County Government of neglecting critical issues, including infrastructure collapse, lack of essential supplies and staffing shortages at Ishiara Level IV Hospital that led to community protests on Tuesday that left two dead following a clash with the police.
In a statement issued Thursday, the KMPDU Upper Eastern officials said they are tired of having their members carry the blame for poor services over systemic failures beyond their control.
“We are tired of healthcare workers being used as scapegoats over failure by the County Government to address the underlying issues, including chronic underfunding of facilities and poor staffing,” said KMPDU National Deputy Secretary Dr Dennis Miskellah.
He accused the County Finance Department of being the primary cause of the healthcare collapse in the county by failing to produce budgeted funds necessary for improving service delivery.
The Official called for immediate dismissal of the Chief Officer-In-charge of finance over fiscal negligence by repeatedly failing to release funds needed to improve healthcare.
He also blamed the County for failing to provide adequate security despite prior knowledge of the demonstrations, putting the lives of healthcare workers and patients at risk.
Meanwhile, the Union came to the defence of Medical Superintendent, Dr. Anthony Nduva, who has been accused of negligence over the facility’s shortcomings, saying the allegations are not only unjust but aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
Branch Chairperson, Ms. Kananu Kubai, reported that Dr. Nduva inherited a facility that was in a state of total collapse, a situation that has been aggravated by Finance department budgetary failures.
They demanded a public apology to Dr Nduva within 72 hours and also called on the county government to take responsibility for the deteriorating state of healthcare services.
According to KMPDU, the hospital is grappling with severe understaffing and poor infrastructure, with only seven doctors currently serving in the facility.
This has consequently forced the closure of key services, including maternity, paediatric, and surgical clinics, according to Ms Kananu.
The union further noted that although partners such as Safaricom Foundation have intervened to support the hospital, the County Government has failed to implement key recommendations from the Auditor-General’s 2025 report.
by Samuel Waititu
