The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has served a seven-day strike notice in Mombasa County after the suspension of Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Iqbal Khandwalla.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, February 24, the union criticised the county government’s handling of the suspension, questioning both the procedure followed and the broader working conditions for doctors in the region.
KMPDU said it had reviewed the county’s explanation but found it lacking.
“The KMPDU has taken note of the County Government of Mombasa’s position statement regarding the suspension of our member, Dr Iqbal Khandwalla. While the County describes the suspension as a standard procedural step and assures the public of an impartial process, the circumstances surrounding this action raise serious concerns,” the union stated.
The union maintained that doctors were increasingly speaking out about the challenges they face in public health facilities and would not tolerate what it termed victimisation.
“Doctors are now willing to speak up about the conditions they work under. We shall not be silent as we are being used as sacrificial lambs in a failed system. We urge our fellow citizens to accord us a hearing,” the statement added.
KMPDU also questioned whether due process was followed, particularly regarding the involvement of the County Public Service Board.
“To date, there has been no clear demonstration of a properly deliberated and authorised resolution of the County Public Service Board. Assurances of fairness cannot substitute statutory compliance,” the union said.
Additionally, KMPDU alleged that Khandwalla had faced a hostile work environment before his suspension. It claimed that derogatory and tribal remarks were directed at him while on duty, with no corrective action taken.
“Equally concerning is the failure to address the hostile environment created prior to this action. Tribal and demeaning expletives were publicly directed at our member while on duty. No formal condemnation has been issued. No administrative action has been taken to safeguard doctors from political intimidation,” the statement noted.
As a result, the union announced that doctors in Mombasa would scale down services during the notice period, prioritising their safety. Only emergency and life-saving services will continue, with consultants’ clinics and elective procedures suspended until the situation stabilises.
“Doctors in Mombasa County will continue to prioritise their safety; only minimal emergency and life-saving services shall be provided. There shall be no consultants’ clinics and no elective procedures until the situation de-escalates and adequate administrative safeguards are put in place. We have given a seven-day strike notice that ends on March 3, 2026,” the statement concluded.
Khandwalla was suspended over concerns related to his conduct and job performance.
In a statement released on Sunday, February 22, the Mombasa County Secretary’s office said the hospital’s board reached the decision during a special meeting convened to address operational issues affecting public confidence in the facility.
The board cited governance and stakeholder concerns that had impacted the hospital’s leadership standing.
“The Board noted with concern a sustained deterioration in institutional governance climate and stakeholder relations affecting the Hospital’s leadership interface with the community it serves, and general members of the public,” the statement read in part.
The board emphasised the hospital’s critical role within the county’s healthcare system and the need to uphold stability, accountability and credibility.
Khandwalla will remain suspended pending a comprehensive governance review. Meanwhile, Sood Mohamed has been appointed acting CEO.
