CS Nakhumicha Bows To Pressure From Doctors Hours After 7-Day Strike Notice

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has moved to quell tensions that arose regarding the deployment of medical interns amidst a planned strike by health workers set to commence in less than seven days.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, March 5 at Afya House in Nairobi, the CS while addressing the issue of delayed intern postings, urged doctors to remain patient as the ministry works towards a lasting solution.

Nakhumicha assured that discussions with union officials are ongoing to resolve the matter. Her statement follows a seven-day ultimatum issued by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) threatening a nationwide strike.

She emphasized the need for dialogue, stating that a strike would not solve the issue.

“My call to the unions is to allow a discussion and conversation to take place. There are many things that we need to discuss and a strike will not resolve. A solution will only be found when we sit at the table and discuss it as stakeholders.

"The county governments, the Ministry of Labour, the National Treasury, the Public Service Commission, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, and the Ministry of Education are all stakeholders in the matter,” she stated.

Nonetheless, she acknowledged the delay and assured that efforts are underway to address the concerns raised by doctors. 

Additionally, she highlighted the ministry's consideration of factors such as funding and the availability of trainers for intern supervision. 

“This matter is not so big… we are going to do all we need to do to ensure that we have sufficient health workers including the interns to be able to provide Universal Health Coverage,” she added.

The CS also emphasized the importance of internship centres meeting specific requirements, including the presence of medical officers, specialists, equipment, and health commodities for medical interns.

Earlier, Mary Muthoni, the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards stated that a meeting was convened with representatives from Health Workers Unions to address pressing healthcare issues and foster collaboration.

She further noted that the Ministry was willing to listen to the medics and reach an agreement.

KMPDU on Monday, March 4 issued a seven-day notice for a nationwide strike, a move which, should it still go through, is likely to paralyse the health sector.

The medical practitioners insisted that they would not return to work until the government honours six of their demands.

These include promotion, medical cover, internship posting, postgraduate fee payment, study leaves and pension, terms which KMPDU deemed irreducible minimums.

Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni speaking at Afya House when she presided over the launch of the Tuberculosis (TB) Strategic Plan 2023-2028 on January 22, 2024. /MINISTRY OF HEALTH