Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has issued a seven-day strike notice that could cripple the healthcare system if doctors’ demands are not met.
The doctors’ have set a deadline of Sunday, March 9, for the government to address critical issues related to their career progression and well-being.
Deputy Secretary General of KMPDU, Dennis Miskellah, stated that the imminent strike is a result of the government’s failure to address fundamental concerns, primarily focusing on the promotion of doctors and ensuring their career advancement.
“We convened today as the National Advisory Committee Council, reaching a consensus to initiate a nationwide strike commencing next Sunday,” clarified Miskellah.
The union insists on rectifying the apparent lapse in the comprehensive medical coverage offered to doctors, allegedly eliminated in the proposed Social Healthcare Insurance Fund (SHIF).
Call for Nationwide Strike
The doctors have brought to light various grievances, including the delayed posting of medical interns due to a lack of funds, as cited by the Ministry of Health.
Miskellah emphasized the pressing need for government support concerning the education advancement of doctors, particularly addressing issues related to postgraduate fee payment and the granting of study leaves.
According to Miskellah, the medical practitioners had already initiated a go-slow, which was anticipated to escalate into a protest at the Treasury and the Ministry of Health offices.
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The union points out that this action was originally scheduled for June 2024 but has been expedited due to the current circumstances.
Another thorny issue for the medical professionals is the unresolved matter of their pension fund. The doctors express their frustration, demanding a swift resolution from the government on this matter.
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The doctors’ discontent is further fueled by the recent assault on KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah and the injuries sustained by 25 interns during protests on February 29.
The incident occurred on Thursday last week as Atellah was rushed to a Nairobi hospital, with union officials attributing the injury to the police.
According to KMPDU, a police officer allegedly aimed a teargas canister directly at the union official’s head during the protest.
KMPDU condemned the incident, asserting that they had obtained proper clearance from authorities to hold the demonstration.
KMPDU Strike
Last week’s protest revolves around KMPDU’s demand for the immediate posting of medical interns by the Ministry of Health.
The union passionately protested the prolonged delay in posting medical graduates, who, despite months passing since their graduation, remain unposted.
As a response to these grievances, the union took to the streets, seeking to draw attention to the plight of medical interns and the broader issues affecting the medical community.
However, the peaceful demonstration took a disturbing turn with the unfortunate injury of Dr. Atellah, sparking outrage.
Also Read: Action Initiated Against Police Who Attacked Doctors
Miskellah, while making the announcement, underscored the gravity of the situation, leading to the decision to advance the strike date.
In response to these developments, the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) also issued a statement on Sunday, March 3 indicating their potential participation in the strike if the issues raised by the doctors remain unaddressed.
This looming threat raises concerns about the potential paralysis of the health sector if both doctors and nurses proceed with the withdrawal of their services.
