Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has called out individuals using demonstrations held outside Afya House to paint an image of neglect by the ministry.
According to her, the Ministry has had open discussions with discussions with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) officials and representatives of the interns, over the matter of intern payment.
Additionally, she said that the inciters were out to cause chaos among a wider population by pushing an agenda of hopelessness.
However, Nakhumicha has said that the doctors have a right to peacefully demonstrate and picket outside the Ministry of Health headquarters.
“However, it is regrettable that despite the open and candid discussions with the union officials and representatives of the interns, a few individuals are attempting to use the demonstrations and assembly as an opportunity to paint an image of inaction,
“Neglect, and incompetence against the Ministry of Health, hoping that this will propagate a feeling of hopelessness and incite chaos among the wider population,” said the CS.
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Ministry Blames Withdrawal of Finance Bill
The ministry of Health has stated that although KMPDU wanted the intern doctors to be paid Ksh206,400 per month, the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024, would not allow it.
Further, the advisory from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) on a monthly stipend of Ksh70,000 to facilitate the posting of all interns was challenged in the Employment and Labor Relations Court.
The matter still awaits determination on 26th September 2024. Despite the ongoing case, the parties agreed to continue pursuing a consensus position within 60 days that ended on Sunday, July 7, 2024.
“As of today, the total number of interns awaiting posting across the cadres is 3,760 for a total budget of Ksh4.8 billion. Due to budget ceiling, the Ministry received an allocation of Ksh3.7 billion in the Financial Year 2024/2025 for internship,” added the statement.
Also Read: Esther Passaris Defends Nakhumicha Amid Calls for Cabinet Reshuffle
Nakhumicha reveals Details of Weekend Meeting with Doctors
At the same time, Nakhumicha has revealed that the Ministry and KMPDU have held several meetings through the weekend exploring various options to ensure interns are posted.
Further, she indicated that they intend to explore posting all doctor interns at the recommended the Salary and Renumeration Commission (SRC) stipend rate of Ksh70,000 per month.
The team also agreed to wait for the court’s direction on September 26, 2024.
Additionally, they intend to use the funds allocated in the 2024/2025 financial year budget to post the interns as per the CBA rates in batches as discussions continue within government, to find additional resources.
“With the allocated funds, the Ministry will be able to post at least 552 interns immediately, followed by the rest as more resources become available which would be indefinite,
“The above notwithstanding, the Ministry recognizes the loss in time and highly recommends the interns across the cadres to report to their internship centers as communicated earlier pending the resolution of the package,” explained the statement.
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