The Kenyan government has announced that it will not renew the contracts of Cuban doctors who are providing medical services in the country.

These contracts, signed between Kenya and Cuba in 2017, allowed Cuban doctors to work in Kenyan hospitals.

The doctors were to help fill the gap in medical delivery services, while Kenyan doctors were sent to Cuba for specialized training.

The move not to renew the Cuban doctors’ contracts comes as their current contracts expired in June this year.

The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Susan Nakhumicha, made the announcement at a Pre-National Dialogue on Human Resources for Health.

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Healthcare talks

The dialogue was attended by various healthcare stakeholders contributing to the overall talks.
The attendees included the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) and the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO).

Secretary Nakhumicha stated that the local healthcare workforce is capable of providing the same level of expertise.

“We are not going to renew the agreement with the Cuban doctors because I believe our very own are going to be committed to the cause,” she noted.

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Kenya’s medical capacity

The move shows the government’s confidence in the ability of Kenyan doctors and medics to address the nation’s healthcare needs.

Nakhumicha emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges facing the healthcare industry and healthcare professionals.

Healthcare professionals have long complained about the lack of training and development opportunities.

Additionally, they also raised staff welfare, performance management, health worker safety, and staff relocation.

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The overall decision is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the pillars of the local medical system.

Consequently, the government’s agenda in health includes medical products and technologies, health information, and healthcare financing.

Ultimately, the goal is to build a robust healthcare system that results in a healthier population.

In brief, The decision not to renew the Cuban doctors’ contracts aligns with the government’s focus on promoting the role of its local medical workers.

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