Doctors reject Sh2.4Bn offer as strike enters third week
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has turned down a Kes2.4 billion offer from the government, aimed at mitigating the impacts of an ongoing nationwide doctors’ strike.
This rejection throws a spotlight on the unresolved issues plaguing Kenya’s healthcare system, as the strike action moves into its third week, starting March 14.
Felix Koskei, State House Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, made the announcement of the government’s offer, which included provisions for the posting of all eligible medical student interns, along with promises of grants and scholarships for postgraduate education for the medical workers.
These interns were invited to collect their appointment letters starting Thursday, in a bid by the government to bring the paralysing healthcare crisis to a close.
However, the union’s response, served through a stern statement addressed to President William Ruto, revealed a deep-seated frustration with unmet promises and agreements.
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2017 CBA
KMPDU Chairman Dr. Abi Mwachi, cited the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) made in 2017, which ended a 100-day strike on the premise of future improvements that are yet to be realized.
“The doctors of this country did nothing but believed in the promise of their government in 2017 where hence we ended a 100 days strike for the price of a promissory note. It is time to honour that promise. Respectfully,” Dr. Mwachi implored.
The refusal to accept the government’s offer was further cemented by comments from KPMDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah Atellah, who labeled the government’s approach as an act of ‘impunity’.
“We refuse to tolerate impunity! With unwavering determination, our resolve surges. United in purpose, our strike gains momentum, intensifying tenfold as we advance towards a healthcare system rooted in fairness and justice,” Dr. Atellah stated.
The ongoing strike has seen healthcare services in hospitals across Kenya severely disrupted, with many doctors abandoning wards and instead taking to the streets in protest.
The heart of their discontent lies in the government’s perceived failure to honour the 2017 CBA, particularly concerning the posting of medical interns and the overall neglect of medical workers’ welfare.
