The Ministry of Health (MoH) has confirmed the release of Ksh. 1.75 billion to cover the outstanding salaries and allowances owed to doctors and medical interns, a significant step toward resolving the long-standing salary arrears issue that has been pending since 2016. This payment marks the first installment in clearing the total arrears amounting to Ksh. 3.5 billion.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni made the announcement during a visit to Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, on Saturday, emphasizing the government’s commitment to addressing the financial concerns of the healthcare workforce. “We have so far cleared Ksh. 1.75 billion owed to doctors, stemming from the 2016 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) up to this year. We will continue working closely with them because our health workforce is vital to us,” PS Muthoni remarked.
The release of the Ksh. 1.75 billion is part of the government’s ongoing effort to settle the arrears accumulated over several years. Doctors and medical interns have been grappling with delayed payments, which had become a significant source of frustration within the medical community. The funds released will go toward settling the salaries and allowances of healthcare professionals, many of whom had faced financial strain due to the delay in payments.
PS Muthoni also assured that medical interns would receive their salary arrears by the end of this month. In a reassuring statement, she emphasized that the government would honor the agreements made with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU), ensuring that no deductions would be made from the interns’ pay, as per the agreement reached in earlier meetings.
This move is seen as a positive step towards improving relations between the government and the healthcare workers, who have often voiced concerns over delayed payments and inadequate support. The release of the funds is also expected to boost morale among medical professionals, particularly as they continue to play an essential role in the country’s health sector, especially during challenging times such as the ongoing efforts to combat various health crises.
The government’s efforts to clear the backlog of arrears are also part of broader measures aimed at enhancing the overall working conditions of healthcare workers. By ensuring timely payments, the MoH hopes to foster a more stable and motivated workforce, which is crucial for the effective functioning of the country’s healthcare system.
In conclusion, the release of Ksh. 1.75 billion is a welcome development for doctors and medical interns, signaling the government’s commitment to resolving long-standing issues and improving the welfare of those on the frontlines of healthcare in Kenya.
