Medics to state: Show willingness to engage in meaningful talks

Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union Secretary General Davjhi Atellah has said the health workers will continue with the work boycott until the government agrees to engage them.

In a statement, Atellah stressed that the medics cannot return to work under conditions that compromise their ability to deliver the standard of care that Kenyans deserve.

“Until the government demonstrates a genuine willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue and fulfil its obligations under the CBA, we will persist in our strike action,” Atella said.

He, however, sympathized with the patients who he said have suffered arguing their actions are necessary to effect positive change within the healthcare system and secure a better future for all.

“The health and well-being of Kenyans are at stake, and we cannot afford to stand idly by while our profession and our patients suffer,” he said.

“The plight of Kenyans who rely on our services weighs heavily on our minds. We understand the hardships they face as a result of the ongoing strike, and we empathize with their frustration and concern.” 

The doctors’ strike which started 35 days ago persisted Wednesday.

The current stalemate between healthcare workers and both the national and counties, Atella affirmed is a distressing situation that demands urgent attention.

The medics are demanding the full implementation of the 2017 collective bargaining agreement which they say has remained unimplemented despite repeated appeals and negotiations.

The doctors signed the contentious CBA with the Ministry of Health on June 30, and with county governments on July 6, 2017.

According to the CBA, the lowest-paid doctor (intern) earns about Sh212,000 inclusive of all allowances, every month. The highest-paid consultants walk home with about Sh814,000.

The CBA also outlines details on promotion schemes for doctors, including scholarships to study Masters Degrees full-time, while on full salary.

However, the government is yet to implement some of these provisions terming them as selfish, expensive and discriminatory to other professional workers also employed by the state. 

Governors have objected to the format of talks to resolve the strike by the health workers.

They also refused to pay doctors more saying they are already the best-paid professionals.

The governors said the “Whole of Nation Approach Committee” constituted by the Labour Court to resolve doctors' grievances cannot make decisions for the 47 counties.

Council of Governors chairperson Anne Waiguru said they might not participate in the talks under such a format.

“The Council of Governors appreciates the whole-of-nation approach directive by the court whose aim is to have a long-lasting solution to the perennial industrial unrest in the health sector. However, this is not tenable as both the national and county governments are independent and distinct employers,” Waiguru said Tuesday.