Nairobi County has made a significant stride in the healthcare sector by transitioning 43 medical officers and specialists, previously contracted under the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS), to permanent and pensionable terms. This move comes after a pivotal meeting between the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General, Dr. Davji Atellah, and Nairobi Governor, Johnson Sakaja, on Wednesday.
Confirmation of Employment
Dr. Davji Atellah, in a statement after the meeting, confirmed that all 43 doctors, comprising 35 medical officers and 8 specialists, would be officially employed under permanent and pensionable terms. “In our agreement, all 43 doctors (35 medical officers and 8 specialists) will be confirmed to PnP,” he stated, highlighting the positive outcome of the discussions. The affected doctors are scheduled to collect their employment contracts from City Hall on Monday, August 12, 2024.
Broader Employment Plans
This agreement is part of a broader plan to secure the employment status of all medical officers and specialists who were under NMS. Dr. Atellah elaborated that the entire cohort of 115 medical officers and 18 specialists would transition to permanent and pensionable terms. Additionally, the county plans to employ 35 new medical officers, 31 pharmacists, 20 dentists, and 8 specialists, further bolstering Nairobi’s healthcare workforce.
“We sincerely thank Governor Sakaja for his cooperation and commitment to recognizing the vital contributions of our medical professionals,” Dr. Atellah expressed, underscoring the importance of this move in enhancing the healthcare system.
Background on NMS and County Transition
The Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS), which was dissolved in September 2022, had left many medical professionals uncertain about their future. Governor Johnson Sakaja, upon taking office at City Hall after the 2022 elections, abolished the NMS and took on responsibilities related to health, transport, ancillary services, and projects involving Nairobi’s public works, physical planning, and development.
During a speech at City Hall on September 30, 2022, Governor Sakaja addressed the concerns of NMS employees, assuring them of their continued importance in the Nairobi County government’s operations. “I want to urge my staff in Nairobi City County and those who are coming back that you are all now one. There is no former NMS staff and no former county government staff. You are all staff of the County and you will work together as equals,” he stated, emphasizing unity and collaboration among the staff.
Addressing Concerns and Future Plans
Governor Sakaja also addressed concerns from nurses and other healthcare workers who feared job losses with the dissolution of NMS. “We will have space for everybody, and I also want to assure the nurses because many of them felt that when NMS goes, they will go home. We still need you,” he reassured, highlighting the county’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing its healthcare services.
The integration of NMS doctors was a significant point of contention during the 56-day nationwide strike by medical professionals earlier this year. The strike saw medics presenting 19 demands, one of which was the absorption of NMS doctors into permanent positions. This recent development signifies a major victory for the medical community and a positive step toward addressing the healthcare needs of Nairobi’s residents.
Conclusion
The Nairobi County Government’s decision to employ 43 NMS doctors on permanent, pensionable terms marks a substantial achievement in the county’s healthcare sector. This move not only provides job security for the affected medical professionals but also strengthens the overall healthcare system in Nairobi. With the additional planned employments, the county is poised to enhance its healthcare services, ensuring better medical care for its residents.
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