With the confirmation of the first case of Coronavirus in Kenya yesterday, doctors have asked for enhanced protective measures for all health workers.
Addressing the media during the launch of a strategic plan in Nairobi, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) asked the government to avail protective gear that will ensure health workers are not exposed to COVID-19.
“The first line of people at greatest risk are health workers due to the fact that they will be dealing directly with the cases that may arise; the question therefore is how safe are they?” said Dr Ouma Oluga, the Secretary General of the KMPDU.
He added that just like with other outbreaks like HIV, SARS, MERS and Ebola, health workers are often exposed and they should be safe in order to keep the public safe. COVID-19 has so far infected 135,805 people globally with 4,990 deaths reported.
Silver lining
However, the doctors saw a bright side to the outbreak stating that it could be a silver lining in that politicians who take the slightest opportunity to seek treatment outside the country will now remain in Kenya.
KMPDU further called on the government to employ all the doctors who are yet to be employed in order to get to the recommended one doctor for every 1,000 people as opposed to the current situation where only 4,700 doctors are on employment.“We want more doctors to be employed in order to improve healthcare in the country,” said Oluga.
