The Government of Kenya has expressed dissatisfaction with the doctors who are complaining of neglect because they do not have medical insurance, asking them instead to self-medicate if they fall sick.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the ongoing preparation for the health workers strike, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe expressed extreme shock and displeasure by the health workers who have been demanding for health insurance, among other dozen requests.
“Why would doctors need medical insurance? It is like matatu drivers asking for fare or chefs begging for lunch. The power is in their hands and they should just do what needs to be done. We cannot spend resources we do not have providing insurances to people who do not need it. If they do not self-medicate, just like other Kenyans, they will perish.”
The government also asked the medics not to complain too much about late payments because it does not affect their health status, as they can always get a few drugs from their work place on credit – a practice common among many government workers.
The government also promised to address all the grievances from the doctors through the BBI report.
