The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has issued a strong warning to 18 counties over what it describes as a poor working environment for medical professionals.
The union has threatened strikes in these counties within the coming weeks unless immediate action is taken to address the grievances of healthcare workers.
The warning was made by KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah during the union’s Annual Delegates Conference (ADC) held in Mombasa over the weekend.
The conference, themed ‘Caring for the Caregivers: Prioritizing Doctors’ Rights and Wellbeing,’ was notable for the attendance of Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, marking the first time a CS has attended the event.
Dr. Atellah pointed to several issues, particularly the delayed remittance of doctors’ Social Health Authority (SHA) contributions, which has left many medics unable to access the medical services they themselves provide.
He singled out counties like Lamu and Kiambu for their poor handling of these matters, urging CS Duale to intervene within two weeks to resolve the situation or face a shutdown of healthcare services in the affected counties.
“Doctors in counties like Kiambu cannot access medical services due to non-remittance of SHA contributions.
The KMPDU National Executive Council has approved strikes in 18 counties, but in respect to your presence here, CS, we will delay issuing the strike notices by two weeks,” Dr. Atellah said.
He further emphasized the union’s frustration with Kiambu County, noting the lack of engagement with its leadership.
“We have made numerous attempts to reach the leadership of Kiambu County without success.
If the strikes proceed, it will be the only option left,” Dr. Atellah warned, adding that ongoing strikes in Kakamega and Marsabit would likely continue if the issues were not resolved.
He also stressed that, when it comes to healthcare, responsibility would ultimately rest with the CS.
KMPDU Deputy Secretary General Dr. Dennis Miskellah suggested that healthcare might be better managed by the national government rather than county administrations.
“Perhaps it’s time to return healthcare services to the national government.
A Health Service Commission should be established to relieve the government from dealing with daily protests from doctors,” Dr. Miskellah remarked.
In response, CS Duale assured the union that he would take swift action. He promised to gather information about the 18 counties and engage with their leadership to address the issues raised.
“I ask Dr. Atellah to share the list of counties with me so I can meet with their leaders and ensure doctors’ concerns are resolved quickly to prevent a crisis,” he said.
