Health crisis: Doctors reject government offer to end ongoing strike

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has declined proposals from the government intended to resolve the ongoing doctor's strike.

The doctors cited dissatisfaction with the proposal's failure to fully honour the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

In a statement on Tuesday signed by KMPDU Chairman Abi Mwachi and addressed to President William Ruto, the doctors rejected the proposal, asserting that it did not meet the terms outlined in the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

“Dear Mr. President You taught me a valuable lesson when you defied what was called the deep state and stood for what you believed to be right. Allow me, sir... Respectfully, we decline these proposals in total. We believe that genuine governments should honour their Collective Bargaining Agreements,” he said.

Mwachi stressed the importance of fully honouring the agreement and meeting the demands of health workers as per the agreed terms.

"The doctors of this country did nothing but believe in the promise of their government in 2017 where we ended our 100-day strike for the price of a promissory note. It is time to honour that promise. Respectfully,” he added.

Impunity

His statement was echoed by KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah who termed the government's offer as an act of impunity, vowing to persist until their demands are adequately addressed.

"When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty. We refuse to tolerate impunity! With unwavering determination, our resolve surges. United in purpose, our strike gains momentum, intensifying tenfold as we advance towards a healthcare system rooted in fairness and justice,” Atellah declared.

The two KMPDU leaders' statements came after the government announced the allocation of resources necessary to facilitate the immediate deployment and placement of all medical interns.

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei said the requisite budget support of Sh2.4 billion has been allocated for the immediate deployment and posting of the 2023/24 cohort of medical student interns.

He noted that this is in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).

All eligible medical student interns have been urged to collect their posting letters from the Ministry of Health's offices with effect from Thursday, April 4, 2024.

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Additionally, the government has provided grants and scholarships for eligible postgraduate medical officers. Koskei has also urged medical practitioners to suspend the strike to facilitate the resumption of the court-sanctioned mediation under the auspices of the Whole of the Nation Approach Committee on the Health Sector.

"With that spirit in mind, the leadership of the KMPDU is urged to comply with its obligations under the Court's Orders by immediately suspending the ongoing industrial action," he said.

Further, the government has also facilitated the payment of basic salary arrears of doctors, accrued by the National government and entities arising from the 2017-2021 CBA.

The nationwide doctors' strike is in its third week marking March 14 as the commencement of the ongoing protest.

The absence of medical professionals from hospital wards has intensified the already dire situation, leaving hospitals in a state of disarray as doctors have opted to voice their grievances on the streets.