The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KPMDC) has called for the reprioritization of resources in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a meeting with the Senate Committee on Health presided by Ag Chair, Sen (Dr) Abdullahi Ali on the increasing mortalities and COVID-19 infections, KMPDC Chairperson Dr Eva Njenga noted that the inadequate Human Resources for Health was the Achilles heel in the battle against the pandemic.
“Let us stop chasing data! We can push to increase the number of ventilators and ICU beds but who is going to manage them and the patients?” posed Dr Njenga.
“The presentation of this virus is changing leading to higher mortalities. While private hospitals have specialist doctors, the same cannot be said for all counties. Some can boast about hundreds of isolation beds but very little will be achieved without the infectious disease specialists, chest physicians and critical care specialists.”
Senators had earlier however poured cold water on a MoH Technical report on County Government COVID-19 Mitigation preparedness dated 14th August presented at the meeting by KMPDC CEO, Dr Daniel Yumbya which they stated didn’t reflect the prevailing state of affairs.
The Committee also met the Pharmacy and Poisons Board led by CE, Dr Fred Siyoi on measures they undertake to ensure PPEs supplied to counties adhere to minimum acceptable quality and standards.
Senators present at the meeting included- Sen Mary Seneta, Sen Millicent Omanga, Sen Beth Mugo, Sen Fred Outa and Sen Beatrice Kwamboka.
