Members of Press
Citizens of Kenya
Today we wish to share information on this year’s posting of doctors, pharmacists and dentists to county governments.
The National Government graduated 757 intern medical doctors, 138 pharmacists and 49 dental officers. They also graduated only 10 specialists.
The counties requested for 464 out of 757 medical doctors. Counties requested for 174 pharmacists but got only 138 pharmacists. Counties also requested for 100 dental officers but only 49 have been posted. Since the number for medical doctors who graduated from the internship is higher than the number requested by counties, there is a balance of 293 medical doctors yet to be absorbed.
Counties requested for 103 specialist doctors but none has been posted.
The number of medical doctors requested by counties is tied to existing budget allocations to cater for the salaries of the new doctors. This means, and as per WHO recommendations, the country still has a gap of 83,000 medical doctors. If this number is reached, counties would be able to send doctors to health centres instead of hospitals alone.
We are aware that there are counties that have returned medical doctors back to Ministry of Health. This is as a result of inadequate finances to cater for salaries of medical personnel in excess of the numbers the counties had requested. Counties are allocating about 50% of their budget to health sector: out of which about 70% goes to pay salaries of the health workers.
As you may be aware, the Council of Governors has on numerous occasions expressed the need for increased allocation of resources to devolved functions such as health which include remuneration of health personnel.
It important for the National Ministry of Health to indicate the number of doctors required by the national government health facilities. This will facilitate the absorption of the remaining doctors.
Regarding the issue of medical specialists, we note that there is need to be guided by the constitutional principle of equity, inclusiveness and social justice while posting the specialists to ensure no part of this country is marginalized and that health services are provided to all citizens of this country.
Regarding intra county transfers, it is recommended that the two counties transferring and receiving need to agree on movement of the medical officer in order to ensure equity.
Thank you
H.E JAMES ONGWAE,
CHAIRMAN OF THE HUMAN RESOURCE COMMITEE
