KMPDU Issues 10 Demands To KNH As Doctors Strike Continues

The Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has gone after the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in a bid to champion the labour rights of its members.

In a letter dated Monday, March 18 addressed to the hospital's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and seen by Viral Tea, KMPDU demanded the urgent resolution of 10 issues occurring at three hospitals, including KNH.

"In championing the labour rights of our members, we hereby issue a reminder and demand the urgent need to harmonize, review and resolve the following exploitative labour issues occurring at KNH, KNH-Othaya/Mwai Kibaki and Mama Margaret Hospitals," read the statement in part.

The union demanded the conversion of all contract doctors in service into permanent and pensionable as per the current existing guidelines.

It also demanded the harmonization of terms of engagement, non-discrimination of all doctors in employment and allocation of job groups to all doctors denied job groups.

KMPDU also demanded the provision of comprehensive health insurance for all doctors in service and the immediate payment of salary arrears for all doctors who have served and continue to serve in exploitative and underpaid contracts of Ksh120,000.

"Immediate provision of training and development on both short term and long term basis for all doctors.

"Immediate cessation of coercion and exertion of duress to doctors during employment and onboarding of doctors. Immediate cessation of harassment and victimization of doctors whenever they report labour dispute grievances," added the statement.

Other demands included the Immediate withdrawal of inconsistent and repugnant terms of employment such as denial of the right to join and participate in union activities, and denial of career growth and progression through training and development.

The union also called for residents/registrars' compensation for all work done while in postgraduate training and the conclusion of the CBA negotiations on the backdrop of the above-stated issues in dispute.

"Be advised that all doctors affected by the above labour issues shall down their tools by 8 am 21.3.2024 and shall only resume on the comprehensive resolution of all listed collective grievances in agitation for decent and dignified work," added KMPDU.

This is despite doctors at KNH and the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) becoming the latest to join in the ongoing doctors' strike.

On Wednesday, March 20, Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha threatened to fire and replace doctors who failed to return to duty amidst the strike.

“They have been ordered by the court to suspend the strike. Choices have consequences,” she teased during an interview with KTN News.