The county government of Machakos has interdicted Dr Alice Kasyoka Isike, an obstetrics Gynaecologist in the Machakos level 5 hospital for allegedly publishing a derogatory post on social media, on 25th Feb regarding county government seniors.
The letter, written by Dr Jacks Nthanga, chief officer in the department of medical services, further says that while on interdiction, she will be paid a half basic salary, as the details of the case are being investigated.
The Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society, in a letter to the Department of Health and Emergency Services, expressed their displeasure at Dr Kasyoka’s interdiction, stating that she, like every other Kenyan citizen, has a constitutional right to use any platform to express their views.
The letter further says, “Investigations show that the use of social media comments was in no way derogatory or defamatory and do not undermine anyone authority. On the contrary, the comments showcase a rallying call to the office of the governor to interact with ailing patients at his counties largest referral hospital.”
KOGS, therefore, demanded the immediate rescinding of the county government earlier decision of taking disciplinary action against one of their colleagues. They pointed out that Dr Kasyoka is one of only two consultant obstetricians working at the hospital and instead of taking disciplinary action for raising genuine concerns, the county government should assess the plight of patients as raized by the doctors and other health care providers in the facility.