The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has issued a stern warning to the government, threatening mass action if medical interns are not posted by July 7. The union’s ultimatum highlights growing frustration over delays in the deployment of interns, which has significantly impacted healthcare services across the country.
In a statement on July 4, KMPDU Secretary-General Dr. Davji Atellah expressed deep concern over the government’s inaction and emphasized the urgency of the situation. “The continued delay in posting medical interns is unacceptable and has left many hospitals understaffed, severely affecting patient care. We demand immediate action to address this issue,” Dr. Atellah declared.
The KMPDU has outlined several grievances, including the detrimental effects on both the interns’ careers and the healthcare system. According to the union, the delays have led to a backlog of graduates awaiting placement, causing disruptions in their professional development and exacerbating the existing workforce shortages in healthcare facilities.
Dr. Atellah emphasized that the union has exhausted all avenues of dialogue with the relevant authorities and is left with no choice but to consider industrial action. “We have engaged in numerous discussions and negotiations with the government, but our pleas have fallen on deaf ears. If the medical interns are not posted by July 7, we will be forced to take mass action to protect our members’ rights and ensure the provision of quality healthcare,” he warned.
The threatened mass action by KMPDU is likely to involve strikes and protests, which could further strain the already burdened healthcare system. The union has called on its members to prepare for possible industrial action and urged the government to prioritize the posting of interns to avert the crisis.
Healthcare stakeholders and the public have expressed concern over the potential disruption of medical services, particularly in public hospitals that heavily rely on the support of medical interns. The KMPDU’s ultimatum underscores the critical need for timely deployment of healthcare personnel to maintain the functionality and efficiency of the health sector.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on the government to see how it will respond to the KMPDU’s demands. The resolution of this issue is crucial to avoiding a potential healthcare crisis and ensuring that medical interns can commence their roles in providing essential healthcare services to the public.
