By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
The Ministry of Health has initiated a process that will see medical interns posted to health facilities across the country.
Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai presided over launch of the initiative on Thursday.
Speaking at the event held at Afya House, Nairobi, the PS asked doctors to call off their strike.
Members of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentist Union (KMPDU) have downed their tools for the last few days.
They are demanding for among others full implementation of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) they during the retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s reign.
The CBA provided for among others deployment of medical interns and their hefty salary.
However, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha recently said the issue of medical interns salary should not have been part of the CBA.
The sentiments sparked outrage from KMPDU.But even as doctors strike continues, the roll out of the interns deployment might be signal positive development.
During the launch of the program, Adan Harakhe, the Director of Administration at the Health Ministry’s State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards, oversaw the distribution of release letters to 1,270 Diploma Clinical Officer Interns.
The interns were picked from a pool of 3,752 across 6 cadres.
Their deployment marked the commencement of their mandatory practical training.
In his remarks, Harakhe reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to seamless healthcare services delivery.
He also vowed to review internship policies, in a move that he noted would ensure graduates provide high-quality healthcare services as mandated by the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
In addition, Dr. Sultani Matendechero, the Deputy Director General for Health, emphasized the importance of health promotion and disease prevention during internships.
The event was also attended by the Secretary General of the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) George Gibore who lauded the government’s efforts to improve medical personnel welfare.
Internship entails a one-year hands-on training for Clinical Officers, supplemented by six months of specialized training upon completion of the Higher DiplomaIt is part of the legal requirements for medical practice after graduation.
