PS Muthoni Urges Doctors to Comply with Court Order.

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing all issues affecting doctors in the country, ahead of the planned work boycott scheduled for December 22.

Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni called on medical professionals to respect the court order and engage in dialogue, expressing confidence that a resolution would be reached within the 90-day period granted by the court for negotiations.

“We deeply value our intern doctors and are committed to following the court’s directive, using the 90 days to ensure productive discussions moving forward,” she said.

She expressed concern that patients would bear the brunt of the doctors’ strike, particularly during the festive season.

Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atellah instructed doctors across the country to begin discharging patients starting Thursday.

Atellah stated that hospitals should begin releasing patients by December 19 in preparation for the strike, which will commence on December 22.

“We will begin with Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), and Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH),” he said. “Doctors should start discharging patients from December 19 so that by midnight on December 22, we avoid any further loss of patients.”

He added, “The government must take responsibility for the patients as we have given sufficient notice.”

Meanwhile, Muthoni also reported one new case of Mpox virus in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 29 cases in the country. The new case was recorded in Mombasa County.

Speaking in Kirinyaga, the PS noted that of the 29 cases, 18 individuals have been treated and discharged, while 10 remain in hospital.

Muthoni reassured the public that the government has increased surveillance at border points and is screening all incoming travelers. She urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and report any suspicious cases, especially during the festive season, to prevent the spread of the virus.

She also emphasized that the government is intensifying testing for all people entering the country at major border points and highways.

Additionally, she encouraged Kenyans to continue enrolling in the Social Health Insurance scheme and urged parents to register their children before the schools reopen.