Medic’s strike: Gov’t talks yield fruits as return to work formula is implemented
The Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) has shared an update regarding the rollout of the Return to Work Formula (RTWF), which was agreed upon by striking physicians and the government on May 8, 2024.
Mary Muriuki, the Principal Secretary of the Public Health and Professional Standards in the Public Health and Professional Standards Department, led a meeting on June 3 to review the progress made in implementing the RTWF.
During the meeting, the primary issues raised by the doctors were discussed.
It was communicated that interns who were unable to receive their April salaries will be compensated for their outstanding payments along with their June salaries, as they are expected to complete their internships by July 2024.
“We proposed that the posting of the next cohort be done by mid-June even as we continue to find mutually agreeable Terms of Service both in and out of court,” said KMPDU in a statement.
Additionally, it was noted that the outstanding basic salary payments for members who have not received their wages will be resolved, and a thorough list of those impacted has been submitted for review.
Regarding the provision of extensive health insurance for medical staff, the department has confirmed that the process for making this coverage available is underway and is expected to be ready by July 1.
This is in anticipation of the expiration of the current enhanced NH1F insurance and the transition to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
Additional contentious matters included in the department’s commitment to reward deserving individuals with promotions and the creation of personnel policies designed to recruit 2,000 new physicians annually.
Similarly, in the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the union has conveyed to the Ministry the necessity of completely executing the 2017 CBA before initiating negotiations for a new agreement.
“We commend the Ministry of Health for being proactive in ensuring that the agreement signed on 8th May 2024 is fully implemented and would like to encourage the County Government to emulate them, especially on promotions.”
The union also mentioned their intention to convene with the Council of Governors (CoG) to monitor the advancement of the RTWF’s execution across various counties.