The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has declared a mass demonstration scheduled for Tuesday, March 18, 2025, to protest the worsening state of the public healthcare system.
In a statement sent to media houses, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Bhimji Atellah confirmed that the demonstrations will commence following a press briefing at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) Library in Nairobi at 10:30 a.m. From there, healthcare workers will march through key locations, including the Ministry of Health (MoH), the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), and the National Treasury, to demand urgent government intervention.
The union has raised concerns over several unresolved issues affecting medical practitioners, including persistent salary delays, inadequate medical supplies, and the failure of the government to implement agreed-upon employment terms. KMPDU has consistently pushed for better working conditions and the fulfillment of promises made to healthcare workers, but their grievances remain largely unaddressed.
“We have engaged the government on multiple occasions, but there has been little to no action taken to resolve our concerns. The healthcare sector is on the brink of collapse, and we cannot continue to work under these dire conditions,” Dr. Atellah stated.
This demonstration comes amid growing tensions between the government and healthcare workers, who have repeatedly warned of industrial action should their demands continue to be ignored. KMPDU argues that the ongoing neglect of the sector not only affects medical professionals but also endangers the lives of millions of Kenyans who depend on public healthcare services.
The union is calling on the government to honor its commitments and prioritize the welfare of healthcare workers to ensure quality medical services for all citizens. KMPDU is also urging the media and the general public to support their call for accountability and meaningful reforms within the health sector.
With the planned demonstrations, the union hopes to amplify its demands and push the government into action before the situation worsens further. Whether the authorities will heed their call remains to be seen, but the growing discontent among medical professionals signals a looming healthcare crisis if their concerns are not addressed promptly.
