Health cabinet secretary (CS) Nakhumicha Wafula on Thursday, February 15 sought to iron out sticky issues with healthcare unions regarding medical interns posting.
The crucial meeting came after an uproar on the posting of interns as announced by the ministry of health.
Dr. Davji Atellah, the Secretary General, Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) had earlier opposed the government’s directive and issued demands to the ministry.
In his defense he had stated that the ministry had not considered the matters they discussed on board.
Apart from Dr Atellah, Peterson Wachira Chairman Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) and Seth Panyako Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) boss were also present.
Also Read: MoH to Begin Posting Medical Interns
In a statement, Nakhumicha said they discussed the strategy of streamlining internship programs in the ministry of health.
“Together we agreed to work towards consensus building and a consultative approach with all stakeholders to ensure internships are streamlined as it is a key pillar in strengthening human resource for health as the government is focused on delivery of quality, accessible and affordable health for all Kenyans” she said.
KMPDU on medical Interns
KMPDU had raised concerns about the lack of proper training and supervision for medical interns. Inadequate working conditions and lack of basic necessities such as personal protective equipment (PPE) in public hospitals was also addressed.
The union also highlighted the neglection by MOH by sidelining the date they had agreed on in a previous meeting.
Additionally, they demanded better remuneration for medical interns and job opportunities for newly graduated doctors.
In a statement on February 12, KMPDU Dr. Atellah stated that a meeting was held between KMPDU and Ministry of Health.
The meeting had resolved that the new cohort of interns would be posted by the end of February 2024.
“The crux of our apprehension lies in the unilateral decision to alter prior agreements, an action that appears incongruent with the resolutions reached during discussions on January 22, 2024.
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“We demand that all medical interns be posted by the end of February 2024 as agreed between the Ministry of Health and KMPDU on 22nd February 2023,” the Secretary General said.
On the other hand, the Ministry announced a different date from the one agreed on the day of the meeting.
