A viral video of a woman insulting a nurse at Port Victoria County Hospital in Busia has paralysed operations at the hospital forcing patient transfers
Medics at the facility went on strike on Friday over the alleged harassment of a co worker who was seen being harassed by a lady who has since been identified as Ms Vanessa Ogema.
According to reports, families were forced to transfer their patients to other hospitals as the nurses downed their tools to protest against the act that happened on January 2nd, earlier this week.
Also Read: Ababu Namwamba Finally Breaks Silence Over A Viral Video Of Woman Insulting A Nurse
Kenya National Union of Nurses Secretary General Seth Panyako said that they will not work until the medics in the facility are assured of security and safety while doing their duties.
“There is no work going on here until we’re assured of the security of healthcare workers. And if that does not happen in the shortest time possible, we will withdraw all healthcare workers in Busia County government within 48 hours.”
The nursing body now wants a strong action be taken against the two people in Port Victoria County Hospital who harassed the nurse who according to reports has already recorded her statement with the police waiting further instructions.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha on Thursday condemned the incident, noting that the perpetrators of such acts will face the full force of the law.
Also Read: Journalist’s Son Found In Hospital ICU After Missing For One Month
“Acts of violence against our healthcare workers are not only reprehensible but intolerable. Healthcare workers deserve our utmost respect as they are the backbone of our healthcare system. They work tirelessly – sometimes under challenging conditions to ensure the well-being of all citizens across different hospital levels.”
Responding to concerns, Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) has confirmed that Ogema is on attachment at the facility and condemned her actions.
“The Board and Management joins our Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Health in condemning the actions displayed by Ms. Vanessa Ogema observing that the behaviour violated the institutions core values and an organizational culture that the hospital Board, Management and staff are keen to uphold all the time.”