The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has issued a stern warning to the government, threatening to embark on a nationwide strike in December if their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is not honored by November 30. This ultimatum comes after the government’s failure to fulfill commitments made in the CBA, which has led to increasing frustrations among medical practitioners across the country.
The announcement was made during the KMPDU’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the Nyanza region, held in Kisii. Speaking to members, the union’s Secretary General, Dr. Davji Atella, expressed his dissatisfaction with the government’s disregard for the signed agreement, which was also filed in court. Dr. Atella emphasized that despite the significant challenges facing doctors, the government has failed to address key issues affecting healthcare workers.
“We have already initiated contempt proceedings against all 47 counties and the national government. If they do not comply, then for sure, in December, we shall have a strike, and 2024 will go down in history as a year where KMPDU went on strike twice,” Dr. Atella warned. He further reiterated that the government has until the end of November to fulfill their obligations or face the consequences of another industrial action.
The frustration within the union stems from several unresolved issues, including job promotions, unpaid interns, and the demand for an increase in basic salaries. These issues have been longstanding, and despite numerous assurances, progress has been slow. KMPDU has warned that if these matters are not addressed urgently, they will resort to the planned strike, which will disrupt healthcare services across the country.
Dr. Steve Ndong’a, the Chairman of KMPDU Nyanza, also voiced concerns about the situation, particularly with regard to Migori County. He announced that unless the county government addresses the pressing issues raised by medical professionals in the region, a local strike will take place within the next 14 days. “Migori County, we are going to have a strike in the next 14 days unless all the issues we have are addressed as a matter of urgency,” he stated. This threat highlights the growing discontent among medical professionals at the county level, where conditions have reportedly worsened due to unfulfilled promises.
The AGM in Kisii brought together doctors from Kisii, Nyamira, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisumu, and Siaya counties, all of whom voiced their frustrations regarding the government’s handling of healthcare matters. The meeting served as a platform for members to express their grievances and strategize on the next steps if the government continues to ignore their demands.
One of the key issues raised was the payment of interns. Many medical interns across the country have not been paid for months, leaving them in a precarious financial situation. This is seen as a direct violation of the terms outlined in the CBA, which clearly states that interns should be compensated for their work. Additionally, the promotion of doctors, which has been delayed for years, is another major point of contention. Doctors are seeking assurances that their career progression will be properly recognized and implemented in line with the agreement.
Another crucial issue is the demand for an increase in basic salaries. Healthcare professionals have long argued that their pay does not reflect the critical nature of their work, nor does it keep pace with the rising cost of living. KMPDU has consistently called for a salary increment, but so far, the government has not made significant strides in addressing this concern.
The looming strike threatens to further strain the already overburdened healthcare system in Kenya. A similar strike earlier in the year brought many healthcare services to a halt, causing significant disruptions in medical care. The government now faces an uphill task to prevent another industrial action that could exacerbate the healthcare crisis.
In conclusion, KMPDU’s warning of a nationwide strike in December serves as a wake-up call to the government. The union has made it clear that if their CBA is not honored by the end of November, doctors will not hesitate to take drastic action. The government’s response in the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the country’s healthcare system will face another disruptive strike or whether a resolution can be reached that benefits both medical professionals and the patients they serve.
