The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has rebuffed the government’s offer regarding the readiness of medical interns’ posting letters, dismissing it as insufficient.
Since March 14, doctors have been on strike due to the government’s failure to assign interns and the health ministry’s disregard for the medics’ 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
On Tuesday, Felix Koskei, State House Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, announced a Ksh.2.4 billion allocation for the posting of all eligible medical interns, with letters available for collection starting Thursday. However, KMPDU contends that they were not part of the negotiations leading to this proposal and that there were no clear, legally binding resolutions for doctors to return to work.
KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah expressed dissatisfaction, stating, “Our absence from the negotiating table despite clandestine attempts to address the significant and persistent issues in our nation’s healthcare system undermines the entire process.”
He emphasized the need for documented and legally binding commitments to address the demands outlined in their official submission before interns can resume duties.
Atellah emphasized that medical interns would not collect their internship letters until their demands are met and the 2017 CBA is fully implemented. He criticized the characterization of interns as “medical student interns,” asserting that it diminishes their vital role in the healthcare sector. Furthermore, he denounced the proposed pay cuts as unlawful and in violation of labor laws.
The doctors’ union affirmed its willingness to engage in bipartisan talks to resolve the health crisis. Koskei’s offer also included grants and scholarships for eligible medical workers to pursue postgraduate education. However, negotiations between KMPDU and the Health Ministry have been stymied, leading to a worsening healthcare crisis.
The doctors accuse the government of non-compliance with court directives, intimidation, and an unwillingness to address their concerns. The situation has been compounded by clinical officers joining the strike on Monday, exacerbating the crisis in Level 2 to Level 5 hospitals.