Coast

KMPDU details 14 healthcare issues to Mombasa County Assembly in new petition

Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Coast branch representative Dr Ghalib Salim before the assembly in Mombasa. Photo: Farhiya Hussein

By Farhiya Hussein | Thursday, May 16, 2024

The union has called on the County Assembly to enforce the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and Return to Work Formula (RTWF), mandate the redesignation of qualified doctors, settle outstanding arrears, and investigate employment terms that violate the constitution.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Coast branch has submitted a petition to the Mombasa County Assembly, highlighting 14 critical issues plaguing the local healthcare system.

The petition, presented by Dr Ghalib Salim, a union representative, outlines key grievances such as the failure to redesignate doctors with master’s degrees to Job Group Q following the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and Return to Work Formula (RTWF), non-remittance of statutory and third-party deductions, lack of comprehensive health insurance coverage, and discriminatory fixed contracts for some doctors.

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"Doctors in Mombasa have been working under extremely challenging conditions. The non-remittance of deductions and delays in promotions despite a court order from 2020 is unacceptable. We need the county to honour its obligations to ensure effective service delivery,” Dr Salim stated.

The union has called on the County Assembly to enforce the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and Return to Work Formula (RTWF), mandate the redesignation of qualified doctors, settle outstanding arrears, and investigate employment terms that violate the constitution.

Dr Salim emphasised the pressing issue of insurance coverage, highlighting its critical importance for healthcare workers, especially in light of past strikes and ongoing delays in promotions affecting over 140 doctors.

“The issue of non-remittance of statutory and third-party deductions, lack of comprehensive health insurance coverage, and discriminatory fixed contracts for some doctors need to be addressed,” he said.

The Assembly committee in charge of health when they received a petition from KMPDU. Photo: Farhiya Hussein

The County Assembly Committee on Health, chaired by Benard Ogutu, has requested that Dr Salim provide relevant documents for further review.

MCA Ogutu acknowledged the severity of the issues raised and emphasised the need to analyse the healthcare infrastructure and working conditions, proposing a framework and timeline for addressing these matters.

Nominated MCA Milka Moraa, a member of the committee, underscored the unfairness faced by doctors who lack payslips and insurance coverage while working excessive hours.

"Denying healthcare workers their rightful benefits and subjecting them to over 60 hours of work weekly is unacceptable. Prompt action is necessary to resolve these issues," she stated.

Dr Salim reiterated the doctors' willingness to work but stressed that their concerns must be addressed to ensure effective service delivery.

Ogutu assured the union of the committee's support, promising to engage with relevant stakeholders, including the County Public Service Board and the CEC Health, to find solutions.

The committee resolved to expedite actions to restore insurance coverage and address the doctors' grievances to ensure better working conditions.