Government invites doctors to dialogue amid imminent strike: “We are ready to negotiate”

• Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura urged doctors to call off their planned strike, calling for dialogue on industrial action to save the lives of Kenyans.
• Mwaura reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the grievances of doctors, including the plight of interns, despite ongoing court cases.
• The government highlighted its healthcare improvements, including KSh1.25 billion for pending NHIF applications and KSh1.1 billion for the Linda Mama program.
• Plans to expand access to primary health care include requiring Level 4 hospitals to provide Level 2 and 3 services and transitioning NHIF staff to the Public Service Commission.

TUKO.co.ke reporter Didacus Malowa brings over three years of reporting experience policy and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi – Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura asked doctors to cancel their planned strike and give dialogue a chance.

Mwaura said the government was willing to listen and resolve issues raised by doctors, especially interns.

“The government is urging doctors to come to the negotiating table rather than going on strike. Even if the intern doctors’ case goes to court, we are ready to negotiate in order to safeguard the health and lives of Kenyans,” Mwaura said during a press briefing on Friday, November 29.

The Kenya Doctors and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has accused the government of failing to deliver on its promises and urged its members to prepare to lay down their tools.

The statement came after another medical intern would have died by frustrations in Kiambu.

To avert the looming crisis, Mwaura said President William Ruto’s government was ready and available to negotiate with doctors to reach an amicable solution.

How the government improved health care

The government spokesperson took the same opportunity to highlight the progress made by the government in improving healthcare in the country.

He noted that at least KSh1.25 billion had been paid as part of the government’s phased approach to settling outstanding NHIF claims.

Mwaura further noted that the Ruto administration had dedicated KSh1.1 billion for the Linda Mama program and another KSh1.35 billion for the SHA campaign.

“Government remains committed to clearing all remaining SHA dues, including October 2024 claims, to facilitate the provision of quality, equitable and affordable healthcare to all,” Mwaura said.

He further highlighted that the government is progressing well with the NHIF staff absorption project under the Public Service Commission.

“The transition of NHIF staff is also underway with all NHIF staff being absorbed by the Public Service Commission (PSC). Their secondment will facilitate suitability assessments and interviews for permanent onboarding,” said the government spokesperson.

To increase access to more primary health care services, the government has ordered tier hospitals to register and offer tier 2 and tier 3 services.

Why are doctors on strike?

As noted, KMPDU ordered all internal doctors to stop working following the tragic death of trainee pharmacist Francis Njuki, apparently due to work-related frustrations.

The union blamed wage delays, poor working conditions and mental health neglect for a growing crisis among medical interns, with five others recently rescued.

The KMPDU accused the government of not implementing the 2017 and May 2024 CBA Return to Work Formulareducing the salary of internal doctors to only KSh 47,000.

Source: TUKO.co.ke