After four days of intense negotiations, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) have reported significant progress in talks with the government.
Secretary-General Davji Atella expressed optimism about the impending signing of a return-to-work agreement pending council ratification, marking a potential breakthrough as the healthcare strike enters its 40th day.
“We’re close to signing a return-to-work formula, but we remain wary given the government’s continued violation of CBAs. We’ll convene as a union to decide our next steps,” Atella stated.
During the sessions, KMPDU discussed issues like the internship program and medical doctor recruitment with the Council of Governors and the Ministry of Health.
Atella highlighted the internship program as the main point of contention, stressing that it should be addressed through collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) rather than resorting to the courts.
Seeking support, KMPDU engaged religious leaders on Monday morning, urging them to intervene and urge the government to engage in meaningful dialogue.
Anglican Church Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit and Catholic Bishop Anthony Muheria emphasized the dire situation, urging an end to threats and meaningful discussion to resolve the crisis.
“The suffering of the sick is deplorable; many have died, and many are deteriorating due to the standoff,” the clerics lamented, calling for a swift resolution.
The strike, now in its fifth week, has paralyzed healthcare services nationwide, leaving many patients without access to medical care even as the government insists there is no money for the doctors.
