By lauryne Akoth
Doctors have rejected the government’s offer of Kshs 2.4 billion to halt the nationwide doctors’ strike, asserting that the government has not fulfilled the terms of the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
In a statement issued on 2nd April by the Chief of staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, he affirmed that the government has paid the doctors’ salary arrears accrued as per the collective bargaining agreement of 2017.
Additionally, the government announced that it has secured Kshs 2.4 B to facilitate the immediate deployment and posting of the 2023/24 student medical interns as per the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) guidelines and provided grants and scholarships for eligible postgraduate medical officers.
Koskei further stated that all eligible medical student interns should collect their posting letters from the Ministry of Health’s offices from Thursday, 4th April 2024.
KMPDU Chairman Dr. Abidan Mwachi and KMPDU’s Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah however expressed their dissatisfaction with the offer hours after the announcement. In a statement addressed to the President, KMPDU Chairman respectfully declined the proposal.
“Respectfully, we decline these proposals in total. We believe that genuine governments should honor their Collective Bargaining Agreements. We also do aver that governments exist in perpetuity, ” stated Mwachi.
“The doctors of this country did nothing but believe in the promise of their government in 2017 where we ended a 100-day strike for the price of a promissory note. It is time to honor that promise. Respectfully.” Concluded his statement.
Atellah on the other hand expressed his support by reaffirming that doctors will not succumb to impunity.
” When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty. We refuse to tolerate impunity! With unwavering determination, our resolve surges. United in purpose, our strike gains momentum, intensifying tenfold as we advance towards a healthcare system rooted in fairness and justice.” Read his statement.
As the doctors’ strike enters the third week, all eyes are on the government to restore medical services in hospitals.