Governor Nassir hires 286 nurses to boost service delivery

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir recently appointed 286 new nurses to bolster the healthcare workforce in the county. This move follows a nationwide nurses' strike that caused disruptions at public hospitals, including Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital and Port Reitz Hospital. The strike was halted by Justice Monica Mbaru of the Employment and Labour Relations Court, who ruled it unlawful and ordered the nurses to resume work.

Nassir assured that nurses involved in the strike would not face repercussions and promised compensation for those who remained on duty. He also committed to timely salary payments, promotions, and clear career progression for the newly recruited nurses. In response to allegations of tribal bias in the recruitment process, Nassir highlighted the ethnic diversity among the nurses at the ceremony, refuting the claims.

He further unveiled new policies, such as the county paying Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) costs for patients admitted in Level 4 and 5 hospitals, an 85% health cover for contract health professionals from 2019-2020 under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program, and free treatment for children along with free food for pregnant women.

Nassir also stated his intention to increase the number of doctors in the county by the end of his term and convert the employment terms of UHC nurses into permanent positions. He emphasized the importance of fostering a healthy relationship with healthcare professionals to prevent further strikes, as their grievances do not pertain to Mombasa County.