Millions of Kenyans Suffer as Public Healthcare Service Deteriorates

Kenyan medical interns are demanding higher pay from the government, threatening to work only 8-5 weekdays if the government insists on a Ksh. 70,000 stipend.

Dr. Brian Lishenga, the Chair of the Rural Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA), has stated that the interns are unwilling to accept the government's offer, which they consider inadequate.

The ongoing strike by Kenyan medical professionals has reached a critical impasse, with the government and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) unable to reach an agreement on the salary for intern doctors. The government maintains that the union's demand for a $1500 monthly salary for intern doctors is untenable, offering a $520 stipend instead, which the KMPDU has firmly rejected.

Negotiations between the government and striking doctors have collapsed, prolonging the suffering of Kenyans seeking healthcare in public hospitals. The strike, organized by the KMPDU, is entering its second month. The union's grievances include pay disputes and the failure to hire trainee doctors.

The government has termed the demand to pay intern doctors $1,500 (£1200) 'unsustainable' and has insisted on paying only $520 monthly as a stipend. The doctors' union has rejected the proposed return-to-work offer, saying the issue of internship compensation is non-negotiable. The striking doctors also want the Kenyan government to fully cater for their medical insurance cover, honor agreements on promotions, and improve their working conditions.

Why this matters: The prolonged doctors' strike in Kenya is having a severe impact on the country's healthcare system, with millions of Kenyans unable to access medical services in public hospitals. The standoff between the government and the doctors' union over intern pay threatens to further derail Kenya's progress towards achieving universal health coverage.

The government has released Sh3.5 billion for payment of salary arrears and Sh6.1 billion to settle the issues raised by the doctors. However, the KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah and Deputy Secretary General Dr. Dennis Miskellah have urged the Health Cabinet Secretary to allocate Ksh. 3.4 billion from the Ksh. 6.1 billion offer to pay interns, stating that they are the 'most vulnerable' group.

The government has threatened legal action if KMPDU does not end the strike, but the union remains unyielding in its demand for better pay for medical interns.

The doctors' strike in Kenya has entered its 42nd day, with the government and the medical workers maintaining their stances. The KMPDU has reiterated that it will not back down until its demand on interns' pay is fully met, citing the legal mandate provided by the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement.

"The issue of the welfare of interns will not be compromised," stated Dr. Atellah, criticizing comments made by the Chairperson of the National Assembly Health Committee regarding medical interns' membership in the doctors' union.

Key Takeaways

• Kenyan medical interns demand higher pay, threaten 8-5 weekday work
• Govt offers $520 stipend, union rejects $1500 monthly salary demand
• Doctors' strike enters 2nd month, impacting healthcare access
• Govt releases $9.6M to settle issues, but dispute over interns' pay
• Union firm on interns' pay, govt threatens legal action if strike not ended