The Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) is set to hold peaceful protests on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, over the state of healthcare in the country.
According to the doctors the protests will begin at 10am from Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) to the Ministry of Health and conclude the procession at the Council of Governors (COG).
Moreover, KMPDU plans to deliver a petition including several complaints on the state of healthcare in Kenya.
“There are unprecedented shortages of doctors and healthcare workers in the hospital amidst unemployment and underemployment crisis in both public and private hospitals,” reads part of a security request letter to the DCI by KMPDU.
KMPDU Highlights Pressing Issues
KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah in a statement seen by The Kenya Times detailed the pressing issues ailing the crucial the sector.
Also Read: KMPDU Demands Healthcare Workers Salaries be Paid by 5th of Each Month
Unemployment and Underemployment of Doctors
Dr. Davji stated that the protests are meant to demand equal opportunities and dignified employment for doctors and the health workforce.
In addition, the KMPDU secretary general stated that the medical sector in Kenya is struggling with the issue of unemployment and underemployment among doctors.
According to Davji, these issues deny skilled professionals’ meaningful employment and access to healthcare for citizens.
KMPDU wants Better Terms of Employment
The doctors are also demanding better terms of employment which recognize their dedication and the critical role they play in safeguarding health.
“Our doctors are the backbone of the healthcare system, yet they often work under unfavorable conditions,” Davji stated.
Deteriorating Healthcare System
Further, Dr. Davji reported that the healthcare system in Kenya is facing a crisis, citing deterioration in the quality of services provided, lack of drugs, lack of equipment and no reagents.
“We have witnessed a steady deterioration in the quality of healthcare services provided, no drugs, no equipment, no reagents, and no functional amenities,” he stated.
According to the KMPDU boss, the doctors are only left to certify death.
As such, Davji said the Tuesday protest is a call to action for comprehensive reforms that will revitalize and strengthen healthcare infrastructure.
Poor Working Conditions
Furthermore, the doctors are decrying poor working conditions.
Devji in his statement said the entire healthcare workforce in both public and private hospitals endure poor working conditions which then hinders their ability to provide quality care.
Also Read: KMPDU Issues Strike Notice
Therefore, the doctors are demanding better working conditions to ensure service with dedication and pride.
“We demand implementation of agreed collective bargaining agreements,” added the KMPDU SG.
He opined that it is important to recognize that the state of the healthcare system impacts every Kenyan including doctors who are on the front line and the patients seeking care.
He further called for a better healthcare system where doctors are supported, and patients receive the care they deserve.
