Faith Masita
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has issued a seven-day strike notice, threatening to paralyse services at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital over what it describes as “blatant political interference” in hospital management.
At the centre of the storm is the interdiction of the hospital’s CEO, Dr Khandwalla a move the union says undermines due process and destabilises service delivery at one of the Coast region’s busiest referral facilities.
“This is not just about one CEO. This is about protecting public hospitals from political capture,” KMPDU said in a strongly worded statement. “We demand the immediate reinstatement of Dr Khandwalla and respect for professional management structures.”
“We Will Not Sit Back”
Union officials warned that doctors will down their tools within seven days if the county government fails to reverse the decision.
“We will not sit back and watch administrators who are executing their mandate professionally be removed through opaque and irregular processes,” the union stated. “Healthcare is not a political playground.”
KMPDU argues that abrupt leadership changes disrupt procurement systems, staffing coordination and ongoing reforms — ultimately putting patients at risk.
“When leadership is destabilised, it is the patient who suffers,” the statement added. “Doctors cannot work effectively in an environment of intimidation and interference.”
Services on the Line
Coast General serves thousands of patients daily from Mombasa and neighbouring counties. A strike would significantly affect outpatient clinics, inpatient care, surgical services and emergency response.The union has called on the county government to open urgent dialogue to avert disruption.
“We remain available for engagement, but our red line is clear due process must be followed, and professional independence must be respected,” KMPDU said.
County Response Awaited
County officials had yet to issue a detailed public response at the time of publication. However, sources within the health department indicate consultations are ongoing.
As the seven-day clock ticks, patients and healthcare workers alike are watching closely.For KMPDU, the message is firm:
“Protect public health institutions. Reinstate the CEO. Keep politics out of our hospitals.”
