KMPDU blasts Embu County gov't over Ishiara hospital crisis, issues 72-hour demand

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) has faulted the Embu County government for failing to provide adequate security during protests at Ishiara Level IV Hospital, saying the lapse exposed healthcare workers and patients to danger.

In a press statement released on Thursday, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah said the Tuesday incident occurred despite prior knowledge of the planned demonstrations, accusing the county of neglecting its responsibility to ensure safety within the facility.

The union further criticised what it termed as attempts to shift blame onto medical staff, dismissing allegations of negligence levelled against the hospital’s Medical Superintendent, Dr. Anthony Nduva.

KMPDU maintained that no formal disciplinary process had been undertaken to substantiate such claims, rendering the accusations “premature, unprocedural, and unjust.”

The doctors’ body defended Dr. Nduva’s record, noting that he took over leadership under difficult conditions, including inheriting a non-functional ambulance which he helped restore.

The vehicle, the union said, remains the only operational emergency response unit serving the wider Mbeere region.

According to the doctors’ body, the hospital has long struggled with poor infrastructure and chronic understaffing, issues that have been repeatedly flagged to the county government without action.

Dr. Atellah noted that the facility currently operates with only seven doctors, a shortage that has forced the closure of key clinics such as obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, orthopaedics and ENT services.

“Additionally, we note that the issues currently in question were comprehensively captured in the Report of the Auditor-General on Ishiara Sub-County Hospital for the year ended 30th June 2025. This report was duly received and responded to by the Office of the County Secretary and Head of Public Service, Embu County, on 5th February 2026,” the KMPDU boss added.

“As at today, the County Government has not honoured its commitments and responses outlined in that report. Therefore, Dr. Nduva and the hospital administration cannot be held liable for the failure to implement the agreed actions arising from that report.”

The union now wants the Embu County Government to publicly retract its statements against Dr. Nduva within 72 hours, address staffing and infrastructure gaps, and take full responsibility for the state of the facility.

“Doctors must not be scapegoated for systemic failures,” Dr. Atellah said, adding that the union stands in solidarity with healthcare workers at Ishiara and will continue to push for safer working conditions and improved patient care.