Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) management has called the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) to end the ongoing strike.
Speaking at a press briefing, MTRH CEO Philip Kirwa assured the public that emergency services are still running since some nurses have continued working.
The nurses’ strike started on March 19, raising concerns about the hospital’s ability to continue treating patients.
The hospital has also hired new staff to help cover for the striking nurses. This has helped ensure that important areas like emergency care, maternity, and intensive care remain open.
“Despite the Union being on strike, most services, especially the emergency, are continuing because we have nurses who did not participate in the strike, others who are recently hired, and some who have covered during this period.”
“We assured the public that any emergencies are still taken care of despite the fact that the strike is ongoing,” the CEO stated.
He revealed that the hospital obtained a court order declaring the strike illegal and unprotected, urging the striking nurses to return to work.
“We did approach at court, and now we have orders, and the strike is illegal, secured, or protected. We ask members of the KNUN to think about their decision and come back to work."
"They are called to serve humanity, and any issues they have can be solved through talks,” said CEO Philip Kirwa.
The management said it is ready to talk with the nurses’ union to settle their concerns through peaceful dialogues.
MTRH has assured the public that it is working hard to reduce the effects of the strike. It has asked patients not to worry, saying that the hospital has alternative plans to continue giving proper care.
The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) has said that their demands are better working conditions and improved benefits.
