A healthcare crisis looms as doctors from the prestigious Nairobi Hospital have announced a strike beginning Monday, September 16, 2024, following a call by the Nairobi Hospital Admitting Staff Association. The group has voiced its concerns about the hospital’s management and is demanding the resignation of the board of directors, a move that could disrupt services at one of the country’s largest private medical facilities.
In a strongly worded notice, the Kenya Hospital Association (KHA) stated that it would stand in solidarity with the hospital’s doctors until the issues surrounding the hospital’s governance are resolved. The association has warned the public that once the strike begins, no new patient admissions will be accepted, with doctors focusing solely on those already admitted, emergency cases, and their private clinics.
“The general public is therefore notified that there will be no more new admissions in Nairobi Hospital, and the doctors will only attend to patients in the wards, their private clinics, and emergency cases only,” read the notice.
This drastic move comes after allegations of corruption and poor governance were leveled against the hospital, including claims of cronyism, nepotism, and conflicts of interest. These allegations have fueled tension within the institution, and the medical staff is calling for the public to back their stance as they await an Extraordinary General Meeting scheduled for September 18, 2024.
However, Nairobi Hospital’s management has fired back, accusing the doctors of launching a smear campaign. The board issued a statement saying the accusations were “choreographed out of frustration by individuals who have failed to manipulate our sound governance structures for their own selfish gain.” The board has challenged those making the claims to provide concrete evidence to address the issues legally.
With Nairobi Hospital being a critical healthcare provider for both Kenya and the broader East African region, the strike is expected to significantly affect operations and leave many patients in limbo. Ongoing negotiations are in place to resolve the crisis.
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