Government representatives and KMPDU officials convene to sign agreement documents, signaling the conclusion of the 56-day doctors’ strike on May 8, 2024. IMAGE | COURTESY
In Summary:
- The Ministry of Health announces the resolution of the nationwide doctors’ strike after a comprehensive agreement between the government and the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists Dentists Union (KMPDU).
- The strike, lasting 56 days, concludes following the signing of a return-to-work formula mandated by the Labour Relations Court.
After 56 days of upheaval that plunged the nation into a healthcare crisis, the Ministry of Health disclosed on Wednesday that an agreement had been reached to end the nationwide doctors’ strike.
In an official statement, the Ministry confirmed that negotiations between the government and the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists Dentists Union (KMPDU) had culminated in a comprehensive agreement, bringing an end to the prolonged go-slow.
“After 56 days, KMPDU signs agreement, ending nationwide doctors’ strike,” declared the Ministry of Health through its official channels.
The resolution came to fruition following a series of deliberations between representatives from KMPDU and government officials.
The signed return-to-work formula, in accordance with the directive from the Labour Relations Court, marks a pivotal moment in restoring stability to the healthcare sector.
With the agreement now in place, KMPDU is poised to provide directives regarding the resumption of duties for doctors across the country.
The conclusion of the strike comes as a relief after a protracted period of uncertainty and disruption in the healthcare system.
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Since March 14, doctors have been absent from their duty stations, citing grievances over the government’s failure to fulfill obligations outlined in the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), particularly regarding medical interns’ postings and labor terms.
Despite protracted negotiations involving various government entities, including the Ministry of Health, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, and the Head of Public Service, previous attempts to resolve the impasse were unsuccessful.
Disagreements persisted, notably concerning the disparity between the government’s offer of Ksh.70,000 for medical interns and the Ksh.206,000 stipulated in the 2017 CBA.