More than 100 patients escape Kenya’s mental hospital as doctors’ strike begins
More than 100 mental patients in Kenya’s Mathari Hospital in the country’s capital have escaped following the doctors and nurses’ strike, local media report.
Photos and videos being circulated on social media in the country show some of the patients are seen jumping across the hospital’s perimeter wall.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2__RW68EOE
VIDEO COURTESY: Kenyans.co.ke
The police have confirmed the incident stating that they had launched a major operation to search for the mentally-ill patients.
Health workers in the east African country downed their tools in order to push the government to implement a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) they signed in June 2013.
The strike by the nearly 5,000 doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists and interns is seeking to push for review of job groups, promotions, deployment and transfer of medical officers, as well as remuneration.
The court on Friday ruled against the mass action while instructing dialogue among key stakeholders including Health Minister Cleopa Mailu and the Council of Governors.
In a press conference Sunday night, Health Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu said the ministry was scheduled to meet union officials at 5:30pm on Sunday but the officials did not show up.
He said the ministry was willing to negotiate and pleaded with health workers to report to work on Monday to prevent a health crisis that may lead to loss of lives.
