Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General, Francis Atwoli, has supported the call that health services ought to be handled by the National Government.
According to Atwoli, the frequent strikes by doctors was a sign that some Governors are not able to handle the health docket.
“Let us revisit the constitution and look for amendments that are necessary including the devolved health system,” he said.
He was speaking during a retreat organized by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) in Naivasha.
Atwoli says that the current problems in the health sector can only be solved by the National Government.
“There are things that you can devolve, but you cannot devolve health,” said Mr Atwoli.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacist and Dentist Union (KMPDU) Secretary General, Dr Oluga Ouma, who was also in attendance supported the payment of health workers by the National Government.
“The Governor can be left to manage the physical infrastructure, equipment and other services but medical personnel must be put under the National Government payroll,” he added.
He ended by saying health workers are resigning from county hospitals due to poor pay and this is not resolved doctors will “withdraw their services from the County Government and paralyze health services in public hospitals.”
