Kenyans Slam Govt after It Pegged Healthcare Interns' Salary at KSh 27k

 

Salaries and Remuneration Commission's (SRC) new salary pay scale for medical interest has stunned many Kenyans. Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha speaking at a past event.  This followed a nationwide doctors' strike organised by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists' Union (KMPDU). What doctors want from government to end strike  KMPDU demanded full implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) by the government, which entailed promotion, medical cover, internship posting, postgraduate fee payment, study leaves, and pension.  Responding to the internship programme, Health CS Susan Nakhumicha said the interns will be placed in April 2024 after review in line with the Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Nakhumicha wrote to SRC seeking a pay scale stipend for medical interns. What are new payments for Kenya medical interns? The commission approved a stipend for medical interns placed in different cadres, with a minimum salary of KSh 27,000 and a maximum of KSh 70,000. "SRC approved a stipend for a healthcare internship programme for the listed cadre, subject to affordability and sustainability," read SRC response to the CS in part. This letter sparked debate among many Kenyans, who criticised the government for failing to heed the healthcare practitioners' grievances. What Kenyans said about medical interns' salary @olecranons wrote: "You have forgotten NSSF and NITA". @BrAyO39 said: "We don't have a Ministry of Health... politics and health should be separated." @RuthLaurah wondered: "Imagine paying KSh 360,000 per year for your fee then mtu anakupost Garissa na KSh 35,000." @andrewsuleh noted: "Any attempt to reduce the gross salaries of medical officers/interns will end up in premium tears." @jelagat_belinda cried out: "Delayed posting, 71% paycuts, unpaid residency, no comprehensive health insurance. This is abuse!!" Why Kenyan doctors' strike is still on KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah declared that the planned industrial action remained on schedule despite ongoing negotiations with the government. Atellah expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in discussions with the Ministry of Health and confirmed that the strike would commence as scheduled. He conveyed his gratitude to healthcare workers for their support following his assault by police officers, emphasising resilience in the pursuit of a better healthcare system.

by  Wycliffe Musalia