Doctors Union Calls Off Planned Nationwide Strike

The Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) has suspended its intended nationwide strike that was to kick off on Sunday, March 10. 

KMPDU stated that the decision was informed by key stakeholders from government willing to listen to their grievances and resolve the stalemate.

The strike was officially set to commence on the night of Sunday, March 10 to Wednesday, March 13, 2024.

KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atella had issued a stern warning that doctors would down their tools if their demands were not met.

“If the meeting does not issue tangible solutions, we will strike,” said Davji Atellah.

Last week’s protest by the Doctors revolved around 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 such, the union is calling for the immediate posting of more than 1000 medical interns as part of the conditions which government stakeholders through the Ministry of Health have to fulfill for the doctors to resume work.

Also Read: Doctors Issue 7-Day Nationwide Strike Notice

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.

KMPDU on Doctor’s Grievances

While announcing the strike notice, Deputy Secretary General of KMPDU, Dennis Miskellah, stated that the imminent strike is a result of 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,” stated Miskellah on March 4, 2024.

The Union has severally 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 KMPDU, 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.

Also Read: Doctors Issue Demands After Interns Strike

The union points out that this action was originally scheduled for June 2024 but had been expedited due to fresh circumstances.

Another thorny issue for the medical professionals is the unresolved matter of their pension fund in which they demand for a swift resolution from the government.

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.