Medics Issue 14-Day Strike Notice, Cite Unpaid Salaries, Lack of Medical Cover: "Act Promptly"

 

Medics issue a strike notice

Kenya’s healthcare sector is staring at an impending crisis as seven health unions have issued an ultimatum to county governments. The unions highlighted the challenges their members face, painting a grim picture of the situation. In a powerful joint statement, the unions threatened to go on strike within two weeks if their grievances were not addressed. Among their chief complaints are delayed salary payments, lack of medical covers, and failure to remit statutory deductions, which they say have crippled their ability to work. 

 In the joint statement delivered by Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) secretary general Davji Atellah, the unions outlined the tough conditions that health workers are facing in the country. "We can no longer tolerate these injustices. We, therefore, demand and stand in solidarity to issue this urgent statement addressing the critical challenges facing our members nationwide," read the statement seen by TUKO.co.ke. The unions include the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM), the Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers (KNUMLO), the Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union (KEHPHPU), the Kenya National Union of Pharmaceutical Technologists and Officers (KNUPT), and the Kenya Union of Nutritionists and Dietitians (KUNAD).  

Atellah highlighted the plight of medical personnel in Meru, Machakos, West Pokot, Kakamega, Nairobi, Embu, Samburu, Taita Taveta, Homa Bay, Kisil, Kisumu, Nyamira, Mombasa, Kajiado, Migori, Trans Nzoia, Vihiga and Bungoma, revealing that the have faced delayed or unpaid salaries for up to three months. Counties Criticized for Neglecting Workers The unions further condemned county governments for failing to provide comprehensive medical coverage for healthcare personnel, which put them at risk. Consequently, the unions issued a 14-day ultimatum to county governments, demanding that they resolve the ongoing salary and welfare issues. 

Failure to do so within the deadline, the unions warned of industrial action, including strikes, to preserve healthcare workers' rights and wellbeing. "All counties must procure proper medical cover for healthcare workers as required by Section 34(1) of the Employment Act. This must be done within the next 14 days to ensure healthcare workers have access to the care they need. Failure to meet this demand will compel us to take industrial action to safeguard," continued Atellah. The unions called on both the national and county governments to take immediate and decisive action, warning that the future of Kenya’s healthcare system is at stake. "The future of Kenya's healthcare system and the well-being of our healthcare workers depend on immediate and decisive action. Together, we stand in solidarity for the welfare of our healthcare workers and the future of Kenya's healthcare system," the unions urged. 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. President William 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