KMPDU to occupy Ministry of Health offices until interns are posted

Friday, July 5th, 2024 18:04 | By

KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah (3rd right) leads other union leaders in a solidarity song after addressing the media in Nairobi, yesterday. — KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah (3rd right) leads other union leaders in a solidarity song after addressing the media in Nairobi. PHOTO/Philip Kamakya

Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) is set to occupy the Ministry of Health offices next week following the government's failure to post interns.

The union of medical practitioners, pharmacists, and dentists, through a letter to the Nairobi Regional Police Commander, revealed they will be occupying the Ministry of Health offices starting next Monday, with their session set for both day and night.

KMPDU RTWF

The letter, signed by KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atella, highlighted that their Return to Work Formula (RTWF), which stipulated that doctors and interns would receive their letters within 60 days, had not been honored. The period ends on Friday, July 7, 2024.

Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists & Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atellah. PHOTO/Atellah(@Davji)/X — Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists & Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atellah. PHOTO/Davji Atellah(@Davji)/X

"Reference is made to the return to work (RTWF) dated 8th May 2024 in which it was agreed that intern doctors would collect their internship letters within 60 days. This agreement, which was deposited in court referenced as EL032 and EL036 attached here, is yet to be fulfilled as of today. The 60 days lapse on 7th July 2024," the statement by KMPDU revealed.

The statement confirmed that they will camp at the Ministry of Health on Monday, July 8, 2024, ready to receive their letters.

"Consequently, we have scheduled a sit-in day and night at the Ministry of Health where all the medical interns will be ready to collect their letters as agreed and in compliance with the RTWF and court order on Monday, 8th July 2024, starting at 9:00 a.m.," the KMPDU stated.

Their letter requested the Nairobi Regional Police Commander to provide security for the participants.

"This letter is to inform you to provide security and maintain order for all participants, during this event. Your cooperation and support in facilitating a peaceful and orderly event will be greatly appreciated," the letter concluded.

KMPDU signing

On May 8, 2024, KMPDU signed the return-to-work formula agreement, bringing a 56-day strike to an end.

Doctors had been on strike since March 14, paralyzing service provision across all public health facilities. They were demanding full implementation of their Collective Bargaining Agreement signed in 2017.