The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) have reached an agreement, resolving the long-standing dispute over the posting of intern doctors.
In a statement made on July 17, MOH said that the two parties led by their respective heads had signed an addendum to the previous Return-to-Work Formula dated May 8, 2024.
This new agreement, signed on July 17th, 2024, will see the immediate posting of 1,210 intern doctors, allowing them to commence their 12-month internship by August 1st, 2024.
“This crucial agreement, signed amid ongoing negotiations, confirms the immediate posting of 1,210 intern doctors, enabling them to start their internships by August 1, 2024.” reads the statement in part.
As part of the agreement, the Ministry of Health has revoked the Internship Offer Letters issued on March 18, 2024.
Details of the Agreement
The ministry also noted that the terms of engagement for the intern doctors would be in line with the conditions set out in their internship placement letters.
Addressing the contentious issue of remuneration, MOH emphasized that the issue would be resolved following the final ruling of the Eldoret Employment and Labour Relations Court Petition.
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“The issue of remuneration, currently in dispute, will be resolved according to the final determination of the Eldoret Employment and Labour Relations Court Petition E003 of 2024 and other related cases.”
Additionally, the Ministry has committed to paying all outstanding arrears within ninety days of the court’s ruling.
“All arrears earned before the court’s decision will be paid in full within ninety days of the ruling.”
KMPDU & MOH Acknowledge Ongoing Court Proceedings
The agreement also acknowledges the ongoing court cases related to the internship dispute and the recently established Presidential Taskforce on addressing Human Resources for Health, which includes KMPDU representatives.
This taskforce will provide recommendations on issues related to the internship program.
The Ministry of Health expressed its gratitude to KMPDU for their constructive engagement throughout the negotiation process.
“This agreement marks a positive step towards improving the working conditions for healthcare professionals and ensuring the provision of quality healthcare for all Kenyans.”.
Also, the Ministry reiterated its commitment to fostering a collaborative relationship with KMPDU and all other stakeholders in the health sector, with the aim of addressing and resolving ongoing issues to strengthen the healthcare system in Kenya.
Fresh Demands
The signing of this agreement comes weeks of a tense stalemate between the Ministry of Health and KMPDU.
The stalemate saw KMPDU launch the “Occupy MOH” protest demanding that the government full fil its promises as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) terms.
Also Read: Fresh Headache as Doctors Threaten to Occupy Nakhumicha’s Office
In a statement on July 12, KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah asked the Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni Muriuki to promptly prepare intern posting letters as per the 2017 CBA.
“Muthoni, prepare the intern letters as per the CBA 2017, we are coming to pick them up on Monday. We are tired of excuses!” said Davji Atellah.
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