KMPDU calls off MTRH doctors' strike after agreement reached

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has called off a doctor’s strike at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret after resolving medics’ grievances with the institution’s management.

Doctors at the facility downed their tools on February 5, citing failure by the hospital’s management to address their grievances and implement the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Addressing journalists from the hospital on Tuesday, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah noted that talks with the hospital’s management had been successful and led to the signing of a return-to-work agreement.

According to Dr. Atellah, the issues which led to the strike have been resolved, further that the agreement was made in good faith and will be fully implemented.

Before the go-slow, doctors cited demeaning, unconstitutional, and discriminatory contractual terms, with the medics noting that they lack the benefits of permanent staff, including medical cover.

They also raised concerns about unpaid statutory deductions for four months, resulting in doctors being placed on the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB), and accused management of failing to promote doctors.

According to the negotiated return-to-work formula inked between the MTRH medics and the hospital, eligible doctors who have served for more than one year on contract terms will be transitioned to permanent and pensionable positions by April 30, 2025.

The remaining doctors will be converted to permanent terms in the following financial year.

“Forthwith from the signing of this agreement, MTRH will not be employing doctors on contract terms. All doctors employed on contracts to be included in the MTRH staff medical cover,” the return-to-work formula, seen by Citizen Digital, reads in part.

Both parties also agreed that all doctors who applied for the competitive positions will be interviewed on the 11th and 12th of February.

Following these interviews, letters of promotion will be issued immediately to all successful candidates, with the promotions reflected in the February pay slip.

For those candidates who have not yet obtained their SMC and SLDP certificates, they will be facilitated in acquiring these qualifications without delay. The effective date for all promotions has been set as February 2025.

“All doctors due for promotions to be presented to the next board meeting to be held before 30th April 2025. Subsequently, internal advertisements to be made annually and to be made open to all eligible doctors,” the agreement adds.

“All pending third party deductions be remitted by 30th April 2025. Any interests and penalties accruing from delayed remittance to be paid for by the employer. All doctors are now covered by a comprehensive medical cover. Any challenges faced to be handled administratively.”