Nakhumicha pleads with doctors to call off strike
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has pleaded with doctors to be patient as the government explores ways to handle their grievances.
Speaking in Nairobi while flagging off cold chain equipment to the 47 counties, the CS specifically asked the doctors to call off a strike planned for next week.
She explained concerns that patients will be the most affected if the doctors actualised their threat and called for the strike.
“A strike won’t bring about a resolution. Instead, I request the doctors patience as we work towards finding a way forward. We are committed to addressing this issue, and I cannot overlook it. It’s crucial to note that they won’t remain interns; once they complete the year, they will be the ones we rely on. Therefore, they must receive proper supervision,” said Nakhumicha.
Additionally, she urged Unions to permit discussions and dialogues between healthcare workers and the government, emphasising that numerous matters need to be addressed, and a strike is not the solution.
“Let them give us time so that we address this issue. I know they are anxious about their posting, but after we solve the outstanding issues, and bring everyone on board, we will be able to communicate to them,” the CS added.
Doctors recently issued the government with a one-week strike in the event intern doctors are not posted to work. The doctors have vowed to paralyse healthcare services.
Besides, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) wants the ministry to address promotions, medical cover, and payment of postgraduate fees before they can call off the strike.
The Union has also demanded to have doctors working in their respective counties and the Ministry of Health given study leave and pension.
The KMPDU Deputy Secretary General Dennis Miskellah said most medical interns are at home, even after completing their studies, with a lack of commitment by the government to posting them.
There are at least 1,215 medical interns awaiting posting.
Dr Miskella said several interns have not been posted for over six months while others have been waiting for more than a year.
He said on January 22, the union held a meeting with the Ministry, and it was agreed that the medical interns would be posted by February, which is yet to be fulfilled.
The CS said the Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni held a meeting with union officials to seek a lasting solution to their grievances.
“I assure the doctors that we shall find a solution, this matter is not so big,” said Nakhumicha.
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