Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli has given 500 doctors to Kenya to help resolve the crisis in the health sector in the country.
In a statement quoted by the Tanzanian media, Magufuli gave the directive for the unattached medics be sent to Kenyan health facilities following a request by President Uhuru Kenya.
“Tanzania has agreed to a request to give Kenya 500 doctors who will assist in tackling the doctors' shortage as well as help mitigate effects of the recently called off strike,” part of the statement read.
Magufuli stated that he had considered the request following the successful conclusion of talks between him and a delegation sent by President Kenyatta.
He further added that the head of the delegation, Health Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu, divulged to him that the strike as well as devolving the health sector had exposed Kenya's shortage of medical practitioners.
According to Magufuli, Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma who was also in the delegation assured that Kenya was ready to effectively pay the 500 practitioners and provide them with housing.
He maintained that Tanzania had many doctors who were qualified but unattached doctors adding that the practitioners would be deployed immediately.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) on Tuesday called off a 100-day strike which had paralysed operations in public facilities.
During the industrial action, the government had threatened to sack the striking doctors and hire others from foreign countries including Tanzania, India and Cuba.
Here is Magufuli's statement:
