Win for doctors in KMPDU, Ministry of Health talks

Doctors across the country are set to reap big following a Monday morning meeting between their representatives under the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and the Ministry of Health.

The meeting that was chaired by Health Cabinet Secretary Wafula Nakhumicha and Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni came on the back of the Kericho Declaration on human resources for health.

KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah, in a statement to newsrooms, said the meeting resolved to begin posting of intern doctors at various health facilities across the country in February.

He stated that the union and the health ministry also engaged on the contentious issue of enhanced medical cover for doctors in the wake of the looming implementation of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, which he said will effectively terminate the civil se’vants' scheme.

“A meeting is scheduled between the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the health sector unions to discuss SHA regulations. Further discussion is set on comprehensive medical cover with regards to the medical allowance that was relinquished by civil servants,” he stated.

The KMPDU boss further noted that the ministry agreed to fast-track the payment of university school fees for doctors undertaking postgraduate training, as well as initiate Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations with the Council of Governors (CBA).

“We thank the CS for always being ready to meet with the unions and also for acknowledging that unions and government are social partners that must walk together for meaningful and progressive gains in the health sector,” Dr. Atellah noted.