The Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has indicated that Mombasa County has the highest number of COVID-19 infected health workers.
KMPDU Secretary-General Dr. Chibanzi Mwachonda said that Mombasa stands at 41, followed by Nairobi with 32 and Kiambu with four cases.
Mwachonda said Kitui, Machakos, Laikipia, and Kajiado counties each have one reported case.
He said that 60 percent of the infections are workplace-related.
The majority of the health workers contracted coronavirus at quarantine centers and hospitals after coming into contact with the patients.
” KMPDU notes that infection of healthcare workers with COVID-19 is on the rise. 60 percent of the infections are workplace-related.”Mwachonda said
” This highlights the need for continuous provision of adequate and quality PPEs” He added
He urged the government to Fastrack the employment of health workers following the fact that there is was a shortage of 636 doctors across all the,1000 nurses,360 clinical officers, and 572 laboratory personnel.
“ We appeal to the summit as it convenes to consider budgetary allocations to HRM for required personnel as outlined,” Mwachonda said The union urged county governments to implement on health insurance for public servants towards affordable and quality health insurance to avert standoff in the health sector amid COVID-19 pandemic.
