Crisis Looms As Doctors Announce Nationwide Strike
On Sunday, the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists Dentists Union (KMPDU) cautioned both Kenyans and those involved in the health sector about an imminent countrywide strike due to unsatisfactory working conditions.
In a declaration, Davji Atellah, the Secretary General of KMPDU, cautioned that healthcare professionals from various nations would unite with their peers in Vihiga. The latter group had already ceased their work for over 10 days due to what medical practitioners characterized as shortcomings in leadership and governance.
Atellah stated that the upcoming strike is a result of the government’s neglect to fulfill work agreements and its refusal to tackle fundamental issues within the healthcare field.
The KMPDU released a statement after a meeting between union leaders and doctors in Vihiga, where they characterized the working conditions within the decentralized institution as concerning.
After the meeting, the leaders urged County Governments to take additional steps to enhance the working conditions of healthcare professionals.
”Vihiga County faces an alarming shortage of doctors, compounded by the blatant refusal to recognize Medical Specialists, resulting in mass resignations. Furthermore, doctors have been denied promotions in contravention of the CBA 2017 and Schemes of Service,” Atellah remarked in his statement.
”We stand united in the pursuit of a fair and just healthcare system. The voice of Vihiga Doctors will not be silenced until these systemic issues are addressed.”
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Atellah mentioned that doctors from various regions had issued multiple notifications indicating their desire to unite with their counterparts in Vihiga for a strike.
The majority of the grievances expressed by doctors involve inadequate healthcare systems, a lack of physicians, unfavorable employment conditions, delayed career advancements, misclassification in job roles, and below-par healthcare facilities.
However, the SG additionally mentioned that the union had arranged a gathering with Vihiga Governor Wilber Otichillo on December 11, during which they anticipate resolving the issues.
”A unanimous decision emerged: our stance must be indomitable. A crucial meeting with the Vihiga Governor is set for December 11, 2023, where we aim for immediate solutions to the issues raised in the strike notice,” he further stated.
Health workers in Busia also went on strike in July following the issuance of a 14-day notice.
The medical personnel ultimately canceled the strike on July 17 once Busia County pledged to resolve their concerns.
Among the demands listed by the medics included; fair remuneration of staff, promotions, raising of health standards, and provision of more medical supplies.
Crisis Looms As Doctors Announce Nationwide Strike
