The Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General, Davji Atellah, has issued a deadline of March 1 for relevant health stakeholders to ensure the placement of all pending medical interns.
Atellah emphasized that it is imperative for all medical interns to receive their posting letters by March 1. The KMPDU revealed that currently, 1,215 medical interns are awaiting placement, with some individuals having waited for either six months or one year.
Expressing concern, Atellah highlighted the plight of these interns, who have been languishing at home despite the country facing a shortage of doctors in hospitals.
He referenced the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ministry and the doctors’ union, which mandates medical interns to be posted within 30 days after clearance from the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB).
Atellah underscored the union’s expectations, stating that if by March 1 the interns are not reporting to their respective positions, action will be taken. He warned of a potential nationwide “go slow” by doctors if the issue persists.
Highlighting the broader implications, Atellah stressed that the delay not only violates interns’ constitutional rights but also jeopardizes patient care within public hospitals.
He further emphasized that the delay impedes interns’ career progression and adds to the burden of overworked healthcare professionals.
Following a meeting with Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, the ministry retracted an earlier communication indicating that postings would occur in July. The delay, according to the ministry, is attributed to the Treasury’s failure to release funds promptly.
Atellah also urged swift action to address the intern placement issue, emphasizing its critical importance to the healthcare system and the well-being of both interns and patients.
Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Davji Atellah and Chairman Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union Abi Mwachi during the press briefing on the state of healthcare at KMA auditorium in Nairobi on February 20, 2024.
