Vihiga KNUN raises concern over unskilled staffing
Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), Vihiga county branch officials has raised concerns over the county government’s recent recruitment of incompetent reinforcement officers who have got no portfolio in health facilities.
Vihiga branch KNUN Chairman Zaddock Miheso said the employment of the officers does not add value or promote quality health services in the facilities.
“The officers have got no portfolio and we wonder why they have been hired by the county government to work at health institutions,” said Miheso.
He said most officers hired were unable to attend to patients and even help nurses in an emergency since they lack medical training.
“The county government should come out clearly and tell us why the enforcement officers were hired in the first place. They do not fit here,” said Miheso.
At the same time the official lamented that Loans, NHIF and Sacco deductions from the pay slip of their members are not remitted to the respective institution by the county government.
“We have realized that the County government does not remit the funds to the said institution even after deductions thus affecting provision of services to our members,” said Miheso.
A point in case, he said was that of a nurse who recently died but NHIF could not pay her outstanding bills since the county government had not submitted her contributions on the scheme.
“It is very unfortunate that after our plea is when NHIF came in and paid the bills. We should never experience such awkwardness,” said Miheso.
He appealed to the county governor Moses Akaranga to look into the matter and ensure that trained health workers are hired for exemplary service provision.
“We are asking the county government to recruit more health workers to replace the ones who died and those who did not take up their jobs after recent employment by the County,” said Miheso.
The official however applauded the county government for stocking enough drugs in all the five sub counties hospitals for patients.
Miheso was speaking at Vihiga Sub County after meeting other KNUN officials over the dilemma.
