The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has rejected a government offer of KES 2.4 billion aimed at resolving the current doctor’s strike.
State House Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service Felix Koskei revealed that the funds were intended for the placement of all qualified medical student interns, with invitations for eligible candidates to collect letters starting Thursday.
Koskei additionally mentioned that qualified medical professionals would be provided with grants and scholarships for their advanced education. Shortly after the declaration, KMPDU Chairman Abi Mwachi and Secretary General Davji Atellah rejected the proposal, stating that it did not completely fulfill the terms of the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
In a statement addressed to President William Ruto, Dr. Mwachi said that the CBA agreement should be fully honoured and the health workers should have their demands met in total compliance.
“The doctors of this country did nothing but believed in the promise of their government in 2017 where hence we ended a 100 days strike for the price of a promissory note. It is time to honour that promise. Respectfully,” he wrote.
“We decline these proposals in total. We believe that genuine governments should honor their Collective Bargaining Agreements.”
Atellah reiterated the Chairman’s views, describing the government’s action as displaying impunity, and asserting that they would persist until their demands are adequately addressed.
“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,” he said.
The nationwide doctors’ strike has reached its third week as of Tuesday, starting from March 14, worsening the already dire situation in hospitals as doctors have left their duties in the wards and have instead taken to the streets.
The primary issue at hand is the government’s failure to assign medical interns and the health ministry’s disregard for the medical professionals’ 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
