The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has issued a stark warning to 11 counties in Kenya over significant delays in salary payments for July and August. The union has raised serious concerns about the lack of explanations for these delays, and a potential strike is looming if the issues are not addressed promptly.
The counties on notice include Lamu, Kakamega, Taita Taveta, Garissa, Meru, Isiolo, Marsabit, Kirinyaga, Samburu, Nakuru, and Mandera. KMPDU’s move comes as a response to the mounting frustration among healthcare workers who have not received their salaries on time. The delay not only impacts the livelihoods of medical professionals but also affects the delivery of healthcare services in these regions.
KMPDU’s Secretary General, Dr. Davji Atellah, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the current situation. He pointed out that the delays have persisted despite a signed return-to-work formula with both the county and national governments. According to Dr. Atellah, the agreement stipulated that basic salary arrears for the past seven years should have begun to be disbursed in July. However, the national government has yet to take action on this matter.
“The money ought to have been paid in July and August but nothing yet,” Dr. Atellah said during a press address on Saturday. “The counties have written a letter stating that they are yet to receive money from the national government.” The absence of these funds is exacerbating the financial strain on medical professionals who have already been grappling with delays and inadequate compensation.
In addition to the 11 counties on notice, KMPDU has also issued a 14-day strike notice to doctors working in Nandi and Mombasa counties. This action is in response to the non-payment of salaries for March and April, which were withheld during a period when doctors were on strike. Despite a court order mandating the release of these funds, the payments have not been processed, prompting further legal and industrial action by the union.
Dr. Atellah has underscored the union’s readiness to escalate the matter. “We have been patient but our patience must not be confused for comfort. We are going to sue the government for contempt and we are ready to go back and demand these monies,” he stated. The threat of legal action highlights the union’s commitment to advocating for the rights of medical professionals and ensuring that they receive the compensation they are entitled to.
The situation presents a critical challenge for the healthcare system in Kenya. Delays in salary payments not only affect the well-being of healthcare workers but also have broader implications for public health services. Medical professionals are integral to the functioning of the healthcare system, and any disruption in their compensation can lead to decreased morale and productivity, potentially impacting patient care.
As the 14-day strike notice period for Nandi and Mombasa counties approaches, the pressure is mounting on both the national and county governments to address the payment issues urgently. The potential strike could disrupt healthcare services, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the healthcare system in Kenya.
The KMPDU’s actions reflect a broader frustration with the government’s handling of healthcare worker compensation and the execution of agreements made with the union. The resolution of these issues is crucial not only for the financial stability of healthcare professionals but also for the overall efficacy of Kenya’s healthcare services.
In summary, the KMPDU’s strike notice serves as a critical call to action for the government to address the ongoing salary delays and fulfill its financial commitments. The healthcare sector is at a crossroads, and how these issues are resolved will have significant implications for the future of medical services in Kenya.
