Protesting Medics Stage Sit-In, Sleep Outside Susan Nakhumicha’s Office

 

Medics set camp outside  Ministry of Health 

Medics have staged a camp outside the Ministry of Health office following a day of protests. Kenya Medical Practitioner, Pharmacist, and Dentists' Union (KMPDU) secretary general Davji Atella interacts with medical interns. The medical interns were at Afya House for the better part of Monday, July 8, pressuring the government to post them as per the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Intern doctors were to collect their posting letters by July 7, 2024, but according to Kenya Medical Practitioner, Pharmacist, and Dentists' Union (KMPDU) secretary general Davji Atella, this has yet to be implemented. How did medical interns sleep Mostly from the Gen Z age bracket, the interns lit candles and flashlights as they prepared to continue with the protest into the night. The medics were later joined by Atella, who interacted with them despite the darkness and light showers. In videos shared on various social media platforms, the young health practitioners were captured chanting anti-Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha slogans. They then broke into the national anthem while waving Kenyan flags and belting various tunes, much to their delight.  As the night set in, the health workers pulled out their sleeping bags and retired to bed at Afya House's gate. The interns also received support from Kenyans online who donated foodstuffs to get them through the cold night. KMPDU denies suspending protests On Monday, July 8, KMPDU announced that their planned march to the Ministry of Health offices in Upper Hill was still on. Earlier, the union communicated that the demonstration dubbed #OccupyMoH had been suspended. In a statement, Atella said the message was misleading, adding the union's X account had been compromised. Govt to settle doctors' 5-year arrears Meanwhile, after successful negotiations, the government promised to clear the arrears of doctors' salaries. State House chief of staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei said that both the national and devolved governments committed to clearing the arrears totalling KSh 3.5 billion over five years, starting July 1, 2024.  Ruto, considering the importance of medical personnel in upholding the nation's health system, directed the Treasury and Ministry of Health to settle the arrears within two years. 

by  Didacus Malowa