The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atellah called on Doctors to down their tools on Thursday midnight over what he termed was the Ministry of Health’s reluctance to address their plight.
In a statement released Tuesday 12th March, Dr. Davji stated that there have not been ‘worthwhile developments’ in their meetings with the Health Ministry since the last made calls for industrial action.
“It is sad that despite availing ourselves for meetings at the Ministry of Health, there has been no worthwhile development to report to you and tomorrow at midnight, our strike notice shall expire and our Industrial action will begin.” stated the KMPDU secretary general Dr.Davji Atellah.
This statement comes after KMPDU issued a 7-day strike notice on March 6, for the withdrawal of doctors’ services in hospitals over the placement of medical interns.
Earlier on Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha had dismissed KMPDU’s demands as unrealistic.
She stated that the ministry’s hands are tied regarding the posting of medical interns.
“We cannot do anything as a Ministry, it’s up to the Treasury to facilitate… The government cannot cater for over 3,000 interns at this time, they have to be realistic,” Nakhumicha said.
Davji led a KMPDU protest, on February 29, over the delay in posting 1200 medical interns to hospitals. During the protest, he was injured by police after he was shot at with a tear gas canister.
“To our law enforcement officers, I ask for a moment of reflection. Let us work together towards an environment where understanding and support replace acts of violence. You too are public service workers and users of the very same public services we are fighting for. Our dedication to justice and peace should guide us in finding common ground.” Stated KMPDU Sec.Gen while addressing the police in his statement today.
