Nairobi County has absorbed 43 medical officers and specialists who were previously under the now-defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS). This decision, which effectively secures the doctors’ employment under permanent and pensionable terms, marks a major step forward in the county’s efforts to strengthen its healthcare services.
The transition follows a critical meeting between the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General, Dr. Davji Atellah, and Nairobi Governor, Johnson Sakaja, held late last month. The agreement reached during this meeting ensures that the medical professionals, who had been on contract under NMS, are now fully integrated into the Nairobi County government workforce.
Background of the NMS and Its Dissolution
The Nairobi Metropolitan Services was established in March 2020 by President Uhuru Kenyatta to manage several key functions of Nairobi County, including health services, after the then-Governor Mike Sonko ceded these functions to the national government. NMS was tasked with streamlining service delivery in the capital, including addressing the longstanding issues within the healthcare system. As part of its mandate, NMS recruited a number of doctors to serve in Nairobi County’s public health facilities.
However, following the dissolution of NMS in 2022, questions arose regarding the employment status of these doctors. Their contracts, which were tied to the lifespan of NMS, became uncertain, raising concerns among the medical fraternity. The uncertainty contributed to the broader discontent that led to the doctors’ national strike, where they demanded job security, better working conditions, and the absorption of the NMS doctors into permanent positions within the county government.
The Agreement and Its Implications
The absorption of the 43 doctors, which includes 35 medical officers and eight specialists, is a direct outcome of ongoing negotiations between KMPDU and the Nairobi County government. Dr. Atellah, who has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of medical practitioners, expressed satisfaction with the agreement, noting that it is a significant victory for the healthcare professionals who have been serving the people of Nairobi under uncertain conditions.
“The doctors who have been under contract with the defunct NMS can now report to City Hall to collect their letters of employment. This is a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to ensure that all medical practitioners in the country have job security and are duly recognized for their critical role in society,” Dr. Atellah said in a statement to the media.
This move is expected to not only secure the livelihoods of the affected doctors but also enhance the stability of Nairobi’s healthcare system. Permanent and pensionable employment terms offer these professionals greater job security, access to benefits, and a clearer career progression path, which is crucial for maintaining morale and ensuring a high standard of care for patients.
Broader Impact on Healthcare in Nairobi
The integration of these doctors into the Nairobi County workforce is likely to have a positive impact on the overall delivery of healthcare services in the county. With permanent employment, these medical officers and specialists can now focus on providing uninterrupted care, free from the uncertainties that come with contract-based employment.
Governor Sakaja’s administration has reiterated its commitment to improving healthcare services in Nairobi. By absorbing these doctors, the county government is addressing one of the key grievances that led to the national doctors’ strike. This move also reflects a broader commitment to resolving the issues that have plagued Nairobi’s healthcare system for years, including understaffing, inadequate resources, and poor working conditions.
Conclusion
The absorption of the 43 NMS doctors by Nairobi County is a welcome development that highlights the importance of job security in the healthcare sector. As these medical professionals settle into their new roles under permanent and pensionable terms, it is hoped that this will translate into improved healthcare services for the residents of Nairobi. The successful resolution of this issue also sets a positive precedent for addressing similar employment concerns in other counties across Kenya, ensuring that the country’s healthcare workforce is adequately supported and motivated to deliver the best possible care.
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