Healthcare workers at Kotido General Hospital have gone on strike due to the non-payment of their salaries. The hospital premises were deserted on Wednesday as medical staff ceased their work, citing the prolonged delay in receiving their wages as the primary reason for their protest.

Speaking anonymously, the healthcare professionals expressed the financial strain they are facing, underscoring that the absence of payment for the past three months has created challenges in supporting their families and meeting essential expenses. They attribute this situation to the district’s failure to fulfil its salary payment obligations.

Emmanuel Lodio, the speaker of Kotido district, explained that the salary delays resulted from inadequate data capture by negligent officers. The strike has had a significant impact on health service delivery, leaving numerous patients without proper care. Lodio revealed that they have formally sought assistance from the Ministry of Local Government to utilize funds designated for hiring secondary school teachers to clear the salary arrears.

Ambrose Onoria, the resident district commissioner of Kotido, stated that, following discussions, they have reached an agreement to operate with a reduced staff to ensure the continuation of essential services while actively working to resolve the salary payment issue