Members of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) have gathered at the Ministry of Health to launch the ‘#OccupyMOH’ protests. The demonstration is set to continue until all medical interns are posted in accordance with the terms outlined in the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The KMPDU, representing healthcare professionals across the nation, has long advocated for better working conditions, fair remuneration, and adequate staffing within the healthcare system. The union’s current demand is the immediate posting of medical interns, which they argue is a critical step to ensure that healthcare services are delivered efficiently and effectively across the country.
The ‘#OccupyMOH’ protests are a direct response to what the union perceives as the government’s failure to honor the agreements made in the 2017 CBA. The CBA was intended to address various issues within the healthcare sector, including the deployment of medical interns to hospitals and health centers nationwide. According to the KMPDU, the delay in posting interns has created significant gaps in healthcare delivery, exacerbating the challenges faced by the already strained health system.
“We are here to demand what was promised to us and to the people of Kenya,” said KMPDU Secretary-General Dr. Davji Bhimji Atellah. “The delay in posting medical interns is unacceptable and has severe implications for healthcare services. We will not leave until our demands are met.”
The protests have seen a significant turnout, with KMPDU members and supporters occupying the Ministry of Health’s premises, carrying placards, and chanting slogans demanding immediate action. The union has emphasized that the protests are peaceful and aimed at drawing attention to the urgent need for the government to fulfill its commitments.
The 2017 CBA was a landmark agreement that came after a prolonged period of strikes and negotiations. It aimed to improve the working conditions for medical professionals and ensure that healthcare delivery was not compromised by staffing shortages. However, the union argues that the government’s failure to implement key aspects of the agreement, such as the timely posting of medical interns, undermines the progress that was intended.
Healthcare workers and union leaders have expressed frustration over the lack of progress, highlighting the critical role that medical interns play in the healthcare system. Interns provide essential services, support senior medical staff, and gain valuable hands-on experience that is crucial for their professional development.
The Ministry of Health has yet to issue an official response to the protests. However, the KMPDU has indicated that they are prepared for prolonged demonstrations until their demands are addressed. The union’s leadership has called on the government to engage in constructive dialogue and take immediate action to resolve the issue.
As the ‘#OccupyMOH’ protests continue, the situation remains tense, with healthcare professionals standing firm in their resolve to see the terms of the 2017 CBA fully implemented. The outcome of these protests will have significant implications for the healthcare sector and the broader effort to improve working conditions for medical professionals in Kenya.
