In Summary
- The ongoing deadlock between the government and striking doctors prompts a parliamentary intervention with top officials summoned to address the escalating health care crisis.
- Unresolved issues raised by doctors union persists despite government claims of resolution
- Legal threats from FIDA underscore the urgent need for resolution
In a bid to break the ongoing deadlock between the government and striking doctors, a joint Parliamentary sitting on Health convened top officials, including Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, Treasury CS Njuguna Ndungu, and Labour CS Florence Bore.
This summoning, orchestrated by the Senate Standing Committee on Health and the Departmental Committee on Health of the National Assembly, aimed to address the escalating crisis gripping the nation’s healthcare system for 43 days.
Parliamentary intervention
Council of Governors Chairperson Anne Waiguru and CoG Health Committee Chairperson Muthomi Njuki were also called upon to appear before the committee on Thursday, May 2.
Additionally, the Chairpersons of the Public Service Commission (PSC) and Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), Ambassador Anthony Mwaniki Muchiri and Lyn Mengich, were expected to attend the session.
Expressing disappointment over the government’s inability to find a solution, Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, who chairs the committee, emphasized the urgency of the matter during a meeting with medical unions updating the Parliamentarians.
Mandago criticized the no-show of governors and other key players, stating, “I don’t think there could be any other meeting that was so crucial than the one to solve the health crisis we have in the country.”
Nyeri Town MP, Duncan Mathenge, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of avoiding such crises in the future.
Former Uasin Gishu Governor Mandago, a vocal critic of reverting health services to the national government, hinted at a possible shift back to national government control, stating, “It will be easier for us to look for one Health Cabinet Secretary than look for 47 Governors,” indicating growing frustration with the standoff.
Dispute over issues and union response
The dispute primarily revolves around 19 issues raised by the doctors’ union, Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists Dentists Union (KMPDU).
According to the government, the ‘Whole of Nation Approach’ order by the Labour Court has resolved 18 out of 19 issues, with the exception of concerns regarding medical interns.
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei stated, “The union backtracked on the return-to-work formula that we had mutually settled on after a series of six marathon meetings. Their new demand on medical interns is an all-or-nothing out-of-court settlement.”
In response, Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah announced plans for further protests on Tuesday, April 30, to press the Ministry of Health for action.
Rejecting the government’s offer to meet most demands, Dr. Atellah insisted on the inclusion of the contentious Ksh206,000 salary for medical interns.
Legal threats and Advocacy for healthcare rights
Meanwhile, the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA) threatened legal action against those responsible for the prolonged strike.
They urged the government to prioritize resolving the strike, emphasizing the right to healthcare enshrined in the Constitution.
FIDA Chairperson Christine Kungu asserted, “In the event that the strike is not resolved and the provision of healthcare services not normalized, FIDA Kenya shall take legal action.”
