The Council of Governors wants the National Government to take over the payment of doctors who go on study leave, insisting it is becoming extremely strenuous for counties to continue paying doctors who are not offering any service.
According to the CoG Health Committee Chairperson and Tharaka Nithi Governor, Muthomi Njuki, the National Government taking up the responsibility, for the short time would free the devolved unit payroll for recruitment of temporary doctors, at the same level of qualifications to fill the gap.
Governor Njuki who spoke when he received midwifery training models donated by JHPIEGO that will be used to train medical students at the county’s universities and colleges as well as offer refresher courses to medical staff in the county’s health institutions said there was need for a framework that will not create a lacuna in provision of healthcare services.
Njuki argued that the implementation of the Universal Health Coverage as envisaged by the two levels of government needs total commitment and adequate human resource at all times.
“In Tharaka Nithi, we have 36 doctors, 14 are currently on study leave. This leaves a huge gap especially on resources because we have to cater for their salaries, yet the courses they are on are fully funded by the National Government.” Said Governor Njuki.
Consequently, the CoG Health Committee Chairperson called on counties to invest in refresher courses for medical staff at all levels in efforts to acquaint themselves with the required modern knowledge for the implementation of UHC.
JHPIEGO said it is willing to work closely with the Council of Governors to offer critical training on primary healthcare and full implementation of UHC by partnering with Kenya Medical Training Colleges campuses across the country and any other medical institutions.
