In light of a planned health workers’ strike that is scheduled to begin in less than seven days, Susan Nakhumicha, the cabinet secretary for health, has taken action to defuse the tensions surrounding the deployment of medical interns.
Speaking to the media at Afya House in Nairobi on Tuesday, March 5, the CS asked doctors to have patience as the ministry seeks a long-term solution to the problem of delayed intern postings.
Nakhumicha gave his word that talks with union representatives are still going on to find a solution. Her remarks come in response to a seven-day notice of strike threats made by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) across the country.
She reiterated that communication was necessary and that going on strike would not resolve the problem. In her comments, Nakhimicha stated that we won’t find a solution unless we have a stakeholder discussion at the table.
According to CS Nakhumicha, “the Ministry of Education, the Public Service Commission, the Ministry of Labour, the National Treasury, and the county governments are all stakeholders in the matter.”
She did, however, apologize for the wait and reassured that steps were being taken to address the healthcare professionals’ concerns.
She also emphasized how the ministry takes into account things like money and the availability of trainers to supervise interns.
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The CS also underlined how crucial it is that internship sites adhere to certain standards, such as having medical officers, specialists, equipment, and supplies for medical interns.
To address urgent healthcare challenges and promote collaboration, a conference with representatives from health workers unions was called for, according to Mary Muthoni, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards.
She added that the Ministry was open to talking with the doctors and coming to a compromise.
KMPDU gave a seven-day notice of a statewide strike on Monday, March 4. Should the strike proceed, it is expected to cause severe disruptions to the health sector.
The doctors reiterated that unless the government complies with six of their conditions, they will not go back to work.
These include terms that KMPDU determined to be irreducible minimums, including as pension, study leaves, internship posting, promotion, and health insurance.
