Explain the rationale for such a policy- Senators on gov’t limiting health workers from working abroad.
Nairobi senator, Edwin Sifuna has questioned on why the government is putting up policies that are limiting Kenyan health workers from going abroad.
The senator argued on why the government would keep qualified but unemployed health workers from seeking for greener pastures.
He questioned on whether there is a Workforce Migration Policy which seeks to restrict qualified health workers from seeking jobs overseas.
He stated,”The government should explain the rationale for such a policy, if it exists, in light of the plight of the thousands of qualified but unemployed health workers.”
He additionally stated that the ministry of health should clearly outline what measures they are putting up, to absorb these health workers into the system, if they are being barred from going to work abroad.
On the same matter, was Boni Khalwale who stated that the government should explain why they are denying the non-practice allowance paid to doctors and clinical officers who work in public hospitals.
He stated,”This is meant to cushion them when they are working in public practice because they do not enjoy the opportunity to benefit from their skills in private medical practice.”
Vihiga senator, also raised that through this policies, the government will make qualified students not to pursue anything to do with health care, while in their tertiary studies.
He stated,”After the course, you end up not getting a job or not being able to travel out of the country. We cannot be having doctors who are trained, not able to work or travel.”
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