By Violet Omasaja
The Bungoma County branch of the Kenya Union of Medical Laboratory Officers (KNUMLO) has threatened not to reopen operations unless the government hires Universal Health Coverage (UHC) employees on a permanent and pensionable basis.
Stephen Wafula, the branch secretary of the Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers, addressed the media on Friday in Bungoma town. He claimed that one of the reasons they are on strike is because their department’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff members are unemployed.
The UHC personnel has been working without compensation for more than six months, and the union is bringing this up.
“”We are requesting that the Salary and Remuneration Commission (SRC) receive a communication from the Ministry of Health and Public Service Commission so that it can issue an order for the officers who aren’t receiving the risk allowance to begin receiving compensation,” Wafula stated.
Knumlo branch secretary Stephen Wafula
The union is requesting national recognition because the county administration is unable to handle some problems.
In addition, risk allowances for police exposed to danger while on duty are being demanded by the union.
The KNUMLO is requesting that the Salary and Remuneration Commission be notified by the Ministry of Health and Public Service Commission so that officials who are not receiving the risk allowance can begin receiving compensation.
According to the union, the medical laboratory community diagnoses more than 70% of illnesses and ailments, and the laboratory is essential to the provision of healthcare services.
