- The doctors are demanding the implementation of a raft of promises, including a collective bargaining agreement signed in 2017.
- Their grievances are delayed posting of interns, fair remuneration of interns and postgraduate training among others.
Image: CoG/X
Health CS Susan Nakhumicha has urged doctors to consider patients' plight and suspend the ongoing strike as ordered by court.
The nationwide strike entered its 14th day Wednesday with doctors, medical interns and medical students demanding that their concerns be addressed.
The CS said the government is determined to fix human resource concerns raised by the medical fraternity permanently.
The CS spoke after she emerged from the 2nd Whole of Nation Approach Meeting convened today at the KICC as ordered by court.
"The session chaired by the Deputy Chief of Staff Josphat Nanok on behalf of the Head of Public Service Felix focused on the way forward and how to find a lasting solution to end the doctor's strike," Nakhumicha said.
"Let's put the interest of patients ahead of ourselves and comply wholly with the court order," the CS said in a statement on X.
The Council of Governors said doctors should halt the ongoing strike and resume work or face consequences.
CoG chair Anne Waiguru emphasised the need to obey court orders issued on March 13 and 15 which suspended the strike to facilitate negotiations.
"It was agreed that the meeting was duly constituted as per the court order. There, however, was a failure to comply by the KMPDU on the court directive to stay or suspend the strike. They were given time to bring their engagement to compliance before actual mediation," Waiguru said in a statement.
"We call upon the doctors who are on strike to go back to work...failure to which the respective counties which are their employers will be at liberty to take any appropriate actions," the CoG chair added.
The doctors are demanding the implementation of a raft of promises, including a collective bargaining agreement signed in 2017.
Their grievances are delayed posting of interns, fair remuneration of interns, postgraduate training, employment of more doctors and comprehensive health coverage for medics.
Outlining the measures taken to address the issues, Waiguru cited the delayed posting of interns which she noted was a national government issue.
"We wish to inform the doctors and the public that all internship training centres within the county facilities are available to receive and welcome the interns once they are posted," she said.
While explaining the disciplinary processes against the medics, the county boss affirmed that action would be taken against those who absconded from duty.
"It is important to note that desertion of duty is a disciplinary issue and not a unionisable issue to warrant a nationwide strike," she said.
On the extension of contracts for the UHC staff, the CoG urged the Ministry of Health to implement the resolution of the summit as agreed during the summit held in Naivasha.
About the payment arrears for basic salaries, the CoG clarified that the CBA signed was not funded to implement the proposed salaries.
Waiguru, however, noted that as the council they have discussed with the counties to ensure the medics are adequately remunerated.
Leaders who attended the meeting included CSs Labour and Social Protection Florence Bore, Public Service Performance and Delivery Management Moses Kuria, National Treasury and Economic Planning Njuguna Ndung'u and CoG Health Committee Chair Muthomi Njuki.
Others were Nandi Governor Stephen Sang and his Nyeri counterpart Mutahi Kahiga, SRC chair Lyn Mengich, Solicitor General Shadrack Mose and PSC chair Anthony Muchiri among others.