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.
