The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has ordered intern doctors to down their tools in protest following the death of two interns and five other suicide attempts.
In a statement on Wednesday, November 27, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah, stated that this is a result of the government’s continued neglect of intern doctors.
He called on all interns to stay at home until the government immediately pays their salaries as agreed.
“Despite the promises made seven months ago, following our 56-day strike, to resolve salary disputes within 60 days, no action has been taken. We urgently call on all interns to stay at home until the government fulfils immediate payments,” read the statement in part.
“The government’s continued neglect of intern doctors has tragically led to the loss of two young colleagues, Dr. Francis Njuki and Dr Desiree Moraa, to suicide in recent months, with five others having attempted the same. Despite the government’s promises made seven months ago.”
Also Read: Doctors Threaten to Strike Again, Give Ultimatum
Intern Doctors Try Committing Suicide
Atellah stated that they would be talking about seven intern doctors if the other five had not been rescued.
He questioned on the number of Kenyans who are going to lose their lives when the doctors go on strike.
“These are children, human beings that have gone to school and are dedicated to serve Kenyans and because of the undoing of the government, they have decided to erratically change what has existed for the last seven years without any goodwill,” said Atellah.
“As a union we have tried to be patient and negotiate with goodwill, but our patience has been mistaken for weakness, because when we go on strike it is different. It doesn’t mean that the roads will delay. It doesn’t mean that children will not go to school. When we go on strike people lose their lives.”
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Also Read: Another Medical Intern Commits Suicide After Working for 36 Hours
KMPDU Threatens of Strike
Furthermore, Atellah mentioned that on November 30, KMPDU will convene to address these injustices and issue a national strike notice.
“If no action is taken, the government will be fully responsible for the consequences of a total health services shutdown,” he said.
The union SG stated that they will issue a notice for a nationwide strike for all doctors, with the Special Delegates Conference (SDC) determining whether the strike will last seven, 14, or at most 21 days.
“I believe because of the urgency of the matter and the frustrations that is there with doctors across the country, we may not go beyond 14 days and that means next week we will issue the notice openly at Safari Park when these other doctors across the country will join,” he added.
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