The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atella has dismissed the call for dialogue extended to the union by the Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha.
While speaking from his hospital bed, the SG said that they will not call off the protest until all their demands are met.
Additionally, he indicated that the fight was not a personal affair, asking the medical practitioners to fight for their rights and the rights of Kenyans who deserve fair and equal medical care.
“Every struggle comes with a price and sometimes it is not an individual fight. It should not be stopped by any canister, any bullet or anyone because they also need healthcare for themselves and their families. So, we must soldier on.
Subsequently, he asked the medics to show up for the planned protest in large numbers.
“Next week as we commence our industrial action, we expect every doctor to demand that their interns are posted, that the postgraduates are trained and specialized to help Kenyans,” he said.
KMPDU had issued a seven-day strike notice to the government, over the delayed posting of medical interns.
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CS Nakhumicha to Davji
Earlier, the health CS appealed to doctors to remain patient because the ministry was working towards finding a lasting solution.
Nakhumicha’s statement came a day after the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) issued a seven-day strike notice.
Further, the CS stressed the importance of dialogue, highlighting that a strike would not provide a solution.
“I call unto the union to allow a discussion and a conversation to take place, there are many things that we need to discuss. A strike will not resolve anything, but a solution will only be found when we sit at the table and discuss as whole stakeholders.
“There is no way I or the ministry can ignore the health workers. We are going to do what we can do so that we ensure that we have enough sufficient and adequate doctors including the interns to be able to provide universal health coverage,” the CS said.”
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The CS Gives Reason for the Delays
According to Nakhumicha, the delay in intern posting was caused by several factors including funding constraints and the unavailability of trainers for intern supervision.
Also, she emphasized the importance of internship centers fulfilling particular criteria, such as having medical officers, specialists, equipment, and health commodities for medical interns.
Additionally, she noted that the discussions between union representatives and Mary Muthoni, the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, aim to resolve the impasse and chart a path forward.
