More suffering for patients as AG asks for more time to engage doctors

This is after Attorney General Justin Muturi on Wednesday asked the court for more time to engage in talks on the ongoing doctors’ strike.

The AG, through senior counsel Ochieng Oduol told the court that the government has made progress in the talks and filed the required reports in court.

According to the AG, there are pending logistics issues and the council of governors is yet to submit figures required for the minimum safety services.

"We request for more time to continue engaging in good faith because an amicable resolution of the matter is key," Ochieng told the court. 

Appearing before Justice Byrum Ongaya, the AG urged court to extend orders stopping the ongoing strike commissioned by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists' Union (KMPDU).

Meanwhile, the petitioners have asked the court to file contempt of court proceedings against the doctors, who are yet to suspend the strike. 

On its part, KMPDU told the court that they are yet to be served with all documents from other parties. 

The Salaries and Renumeration Commission (SRC) said it has participated in the talks and the reconciliation process.

“We do support the AG that time be extended to reach an amicable solution. Also we confirm that we have found that there are unique issues relating to counties and would be useful and more effective that the union engages the counties,” SRC said. 

On April 3, 2024, court gave conflicting parties 14 days to conclude the ongoing reconciliation process.

Justice Ongaya, extended orders staying the ongoing doctors' strike, urging parties to negotiate. 

The government, through Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has since told doctors to suspend the strike before talks, as ordered by the court. An issue that KMPDU has given a deaf ear.