Doctors Issue 7-Day Nationwide Strike Notice, Accuse Gov’t of Failing to Meet Their Demands

 

Kenya's health sector is staring at a crisis following a declaration by the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU). KMPDU Secretary General Davji Bhimji Atellah(in a brown suit) leads doctors in a past protest.  In a video statement on Monday, March 4, KMPDU Deputy Secretary-General Dennis Miskellah the union's hand had been forced to call for a strike.  Miskellah highlighted his boss, Davji Bhimji Atellah's predicament, adding that he would be out for at least a week after suffering extensive injuriesKMPDU stated that the union's advisory committee resolved to issue a 7-day strike notice, affirming no leadership gap. "We have met today as the National Advisory Committee Council, and we have agreed to do our nationwide strike starting Sunday next week. We are going to give a seven-day notice today, Monday, March 4 then we will do our nationwide strike to ensure that every single issue we have fought for, from promotions to medical cover, internship, pension, study leaves and school fees and issues around the SG must be addressed," he declared. Why are doctors going on strike The deputy SG said the union would not let all the gains they've made go down the drain, adding that they wouldn't compromise on medical issues to deal with medical interns.He revealed the union had planned to go on a nationwide strike in June before their leader was injured during their peaceful protest. “For now I pray and hope that we remain strong, remain united, and remain alert to people who want to claw back on our gains. The issue of internship cannot be negotiated. We had the CBA and the minister cannot purport that she will change the rules on the payment of interns. Interns are the backbone of our healthcare system. Let’s stand with our brothers and sisters. The issue of school fees cannot be negotiated. The deal on our medical cover cannot be negotiated. All the issues we are going to have addressed comprehensively once and for all. We had intended to have the strike in June but they have made us bring it forward," he concluded 

by  Didacus Malowa