The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) has rejected reports of secret talks between the Kenyan government and the United States about setting up an Ebola quarantine and treatment centre at Laikipia Air Base.
In a statement signed by the union’s Secretary-General, Dr. Davji Bhimji Atellah, KMPDU accused the government of risking the lives of Kenyans in exchange for foreign support.
The union questioned why Kenya was being considered to host people who may have been exposed to Ebola linked to the ongoing outbreak in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
KMPDU said it does not make sense to fly potentially infected people into Kenya if the United States believes it is unsafe to bring them into its own country.
The union also criticised what it described as double standards by the U.S., noting that America reportedly does not allow Ebola patients into its territory.
According to the union, Kenya’s healthcare system is already under pressure due to shortages of medicines, medical equipment and healthcare workers.
KMPDU warned that the alleged plan could create a healthcare system that favours foreign workers over local professionals.
The union gave the government 48 hours to publicly explain the alleged discussions and threatened nationwide industrial action if the process continues without transparency.
