The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has decided not to proceed with its plan to occupy the Ministry of Health’s premises at Afya House in Nairobi. Initially, KMPDU had announced intentions to occupy the premises starting Monday, July 8, to ensure that all medical interns are posted to health facilities nationwide as per the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
However, in a reversal of their decision, KMPDU stated on Monday morning that ongoing discussions are underway to ensure compliance with the CBA, prompting them to halt their plans.
“We remain vigilant and committed to achieving fair outcomes for all interns,” they wrote.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) was ratified in May following a 56-day nationwide doctors’ strike, as part of a return-to-work formula (RTWF) agreed between the union and the government. KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah had emphasized that the union has been engaged in numerous meetings aimed at implementing the return-to-work formula, specifically focusing on Kenyatta National Hospital and the Ministry of Health. According to Atellah, the issue of internship postings was expected to be resolved within 60 days as stipulated in the 2017 CBA.
“As we all know, the 60 days end on 7th of July 2024. So far we are in agreement with the Ministry of Health that interns must be posted as per CBA 2017 before the lapse of the 60-day negotiation window as per our Return to Work Formula,” Atellah said then.
“The Ministry of Health is to have an engagement with Treasury before our final meeting set for Thursday, 4th July 2024.”
