1,210 medical interns to be posted after Health Ministry, doctors' union strike deal

It is a sigh of relief for 1,210 medical interns as they will now be posted to their positions following the signing of a Return-to-Work Formula by the Ministry of Health and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU).

The breakthrough comes after a prolonged strike by the intern doctors, who were left out of a previous agreement between KMPDU and the government on May 8, 2024.

The earlier deal addressed the concerns of fully qualified doctors but overlooked the interns, sparking widespread dissatisfaction and protests.

Following the signing of the agreement on Wednesday, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the Ministry will immediately post the intern doctors to begin their twelve-month internships by August 1, 2024.

Additionally, the Ministry has also revoked the internship offer letters which were issued on March 18, 2024. She noted that the terms of engagement for the intern doctors will adhere to the conditions outlined in their internship placement letters.

“This crucial agreement, signed amid ongoing negotiations, confirms the immediate posting of 1,210 intern doctors, enabling them to start their internships by August 1, 2024,” Muthoni said.

She noted that the issue of remuneration, currently in dispute, will be resolved, according to the final determination of the Eldoret Employment and Labour Relations Court Petition E003 of 2024 and other related cases.

However, all arrears earned before the court's decision will be paid in full within ninety days of the ruling.

“The Ministry and KMPDU acknowledge the ongoing court matters related to this issue in the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Eldoret and Nairobi,” the Ministry assured.

The team led by KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah also recognised the establishment of the Presidential Taskforce on addressing Human Resources for Health, which includes KMPDU members.

Muthoni said the task force, which was established on July 5, 2024, will address issues related to the Human Resources for Health Internship and provide recommendations.

“The Ministry of Health expresses its gratitude to the KMPDU for their steadfast commitment and constructive engagement throughout this process. This agreement marks a positive step towards improving the working conditions for healthcare professionals and ensuring the provision of quality healthcare for all Kenyans,” she said.

The Ministry said it remains dedicated to fostering a collaborative relationship with KMPDU and other stakeholders in the health sector, to address and resolve ongoing issues, and enhance the healthcare system in Kenya.

On July 8, 2024, medics camped outside the Ministry of Health headquarters at Afya House, Nairobi after a day of protests to pressure the government to post them in line with the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Videos and photos circulating on social media showed the health workers lying in camping sleeping bags outside the premises.

The medics lit candles and flashlights to continue with the protest into the night, despite the light showers experienced in the city.

They also demanded the resignation of former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha who was eventually fired by President William Ruto. “Nakhumicha must go!” the medics demanded as they sang the national anthem.