Kenyans have begun fleeing to Tanzania to seek government-supported healthcare services following the ongoing doctors' strike that has paralysed medical services across the country.
The strike which is currently in its third week began on March 15 and was orchestrated by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU).
The latest report revealed a surge in the number of Kenyan patients who have been admitted in the Rombo district of Kilimanjaro region and the Longido district of the Arusha region.
According to the report, the number of Kenyans crossing the border to Tanzania could potentially increase with speculation of continued strikes by the medical officers.
However, with the continued movement of Kenyans across the border to its neighbour, a concern has been raised on the Kenya-Tanzania's porous nature of the border.
Analysts who weighed into the matter noted that Tanzania could borrow from the situation to strengthen its healthcare system.
Tanzania may be compelled to acquire state-of-the-art medical equipment infrastructure upgrades and specialized training.
Meanwhile, the doctors' strike continues to escalate despite the recent efforts by the government to release Ksh2.4 billion to facilitate the recruitment of intern medical officers.
KMPDU led by its Secretary General Davji Atellah termed the offer as insufficient, stating that the demonstrations would continue until the government waves the white flag.
"The strike is on. I think it is on more than before," Davji Atellah warned during an interview with Citizen TV on April 2, signalling a further health crisis.
However, while addressing the ongoing strike, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura stated that the action by the medical officers contravened the law and thus was illegal.
According to Mwaura, the strike was suspended by the Employment and Labour Relations Court on April 3 and urged the involved parties to resolve their references within 14 days.
