Kenya's Unhappy Doctors and Nurses
Kenyans are angry at the death of a young doctor who had said he lacked enough protection from Covid. Critics say his story reveals a malaise in the country’s health sector.
All over the world, frontline workers have paid the ultimate price during the pandemic. But in Kenya the story of one young doctor’s heroism has made headlines for all the wrong reasons. 28-year old Stephen Mogusu died from Covid 19 in December after working on an isolation ward and complaining he lacked adequate protective clothing. Despite his vital service, he hadn’t been paid for five months. Stephen’s tragedy exposes a wider malaise in Kenya’s health system: A corruption scandal involving overpriced masks, aprons and other protective clothing. Meanwhile, across the country, a series of on-off strikes have disrupted care, as doctors, nurses and clinicians made sporadic protests against mismanagement and a devolved power structure they say is dysfunctional. As Kenya continues to battle against the virus, Lucy Ash finds out what’s ailing Kenya’s healthcare system.
Produced by Michael Gallagher. Editor, Bridget Harney
Last on
More episodes
Next
Broadcasts
- Thu 22 Apr 2021 11:00±«Óătv Radio 4
- Mon 26 Apr 2021 20:30±«Óătv Radio 4
Podcast
-
Crossing Continents
Series focusing on foreign affairs issues