Medics Threaten Nationwide Strike Over Unpaid Salaries

Health workers in Kenya, including doctors, nurses, clinical officers, and dentists, are on the verge of initiating a nationwide strike due to the non-payment of their salaries and unfulfilled agreements by county governments. This warning comes from the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU), with Secretary-General Davji Atella leading the charge.

On September 5, Atella addressed the pressing issue, calling for immediate action from the county governments. He stated that if the salaries for June, July, and August are not disbursed within the next two weeks, an industrial action will be unavoidable. The situation is dire, with healthcare workers struggling to meet basic needs such as paying rent and affording transportation to their workplaces. Atella emphasized the unsustainable nature of the current situation, where those responsible for patient care are being neglected.

The KMPDU has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the counties, demanding not only the payment of overdue salaries but also the provision of comprehensive medical coverage for health workers. Additionally, the union is calling for the remittance of all withheld statutory deductions. Failure to meet these demands will result in a strike involving a wide range of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, clinical officers, lab technicians, morticians, and public health officers.

The potential strike threat comes on the heels of recent efforts by the Ministry of Health to address the ongoing issues. The Ministry has been working with the Council of Governors (CoG) to find a resolution and prevent further industrial action. Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa highlighted these efforts during a recent meeting with the CoG’s health committee. She assured that the Ministry is actively working on addressing the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) and is optimistic about resolving the issue, especially given the current fiscal constraints.

The current crisis follows a recent nationwide doctors’ strike that ended on May 8, following an agreement between the medics and the Ministry of Health. This agreement included the implementation of the 2017 CBA and the recruitment of intern doctors. The previous strike had caused significant disruptions in healthcare services across the country, and the threat of another strike looms large if the current demands are not addressed promptly.

The situation highlights a recurring issue in Kenya’s healthcare sector, where payment delays and unfulfilled agreements often lead to industrial actions by medical professionals. The impact of such strikes is severe, affecting the delivery of essential healthcare services and placing additional strain on the already burdened healthcare system.

As the deadline approaches, the public and various stakeholders are closely watching the developments. The healthcare sector is crucial for the well-being of the population, and any disruption in services can have far-reaching consequences. The KMPDU’s demands underscore the need for timely payment and proper support for health workers, who are essential to the functioning of the healthcare system.

The Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors must address the concerns of the KMPDU to avoid the impending strike and ensure that healthcare services remain uninterrupted. The resolution of these issues is critical not only for the welfare of the health workers but also for the broader health system and the patients who rely on it.