Government Spokesperson Col (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna held a press conference where he appealed to striking doctors and likened them to soldiers in a battle.
In his address at KICC on Tuesday, December 15, the former KDF soldier recognised the critical role played by medics in the war against Covid-19 and admitted that they sometimes work under very difficult conditions.
“During such situations, frontline soldiers do not quit or retreat to their homes. It is the time when they fight for their country, utilizing whatever resources available,” he urged, rekindling inspiration from when he served in the Kenya Defence Forces.
He appealed to the nurses to get back to work and offer the much-needed health services as negotiations about their grievances continue.
Oguna commended the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentist Union (KMPDU) for suspending the strike in order to give dialogue a chance.
Among the healthcare workers' demands include, provision of personal protective equipment, delayed compensation, and a comprehensive health insurance scheme.
“We want to assure all healthcare workers that as the people of this great nation, we appreciate the sacrifices they make every single day and their high-level commitment to duty as they offer services to the people,” he stated.
The government spokesperson told the media that no amount of preparation could be adequate for a pandemic that challenged even the best healthcare systems in the world.
He noted that healthcare workers are the single most important factor in the mitigation of Covid-19.
“It is however unfortunate that Covid-19 does not discriminate against who it attacks and when, targeting children, the young, old, and health care workers alike. It is such a wicked enemy,” he stated.
Oguna cautioned that during the festive season, Kenyans should be each other's keeper by taking measures to mitigate against the spread of the virus.
“Let us wear our masks, wash our hands regularly, sanitize, avoid crowded areas and adhere to the public transport capacity guidelines,” he urged.
