By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
The ongoing nationwide doctors’ strike might not be resolved anytime soon if the events witnessed on Wednesday are anything to go by.
Parties involved in the negotiations – the government and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentist Union – had been scheduled to meet in an attempt to reach an amicable solution.
However, only officials from KMPDU showed up at the venue of the negotiations.
The government side was expected to be represented in the meeting by among others senior Ministry of Health officials led by Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha Wafula.
None of the government officials turned up.
Reacting to the development, KMPDU in a post on their official X handle (formerly Twitter) said the government’s decision to skip the negotiations was a clear sign of its unwillingness to address the issues being raised.
The Union further said as things stand, it’s the government that is on strike, and not the doctors.
“Despite our openness to discussions and negotiations, it’s disheartening that our government has abandoned the negotiation table, failing its citizens,” KMPDU said in part of the post.
“The ongoing doctors’ strike highlights their disregard for public health. It’s not the doctors on strike, it’s the government,” the union added.
Doctors have been on strike for over a week now.They are demanding for among others posting of the medical interns under the the terms of the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The government has however expressed its reluctance to implement the CBA over its cost implications.
But KMPDU insists the agreement that provides for huge salaries for medical interns must be implemented.
They also want health officers enrolled in a comprehensive medical cover among over 10 other demands.
