Kenyan healthcare workers remain on strike, demanding better wages and improved working conditions.
The strike, which began on March 14th, has now entered its second week, causing significant disruption to medical services nationwide.
Davji Atellah, Secretary-General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), issued a firm statement reiterating the union’s commitment to the strike.
He declared that healthcare workers will not return to work until the government addresses their long-standing concerns.
Thousands of doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals have joined the ongoing protest, highlighting widespread discontent within the healthcare sector.
The Ministry of Health responded with a statement acknowledging the ongoing strike and their commitment to finding a resolution.
They emphasized their continued efforts to meet the demands of healthcare professionals. However, details regarding these efforts have not been made public.
The KMPDU-led strike stems from a list of grievances presented to the government earlier.
These grievances include demands for a clearer path to promotion, improved health insurance plans, proper internship placements for graduates, financial assistance with postgraduate studies, streamlined work permit processes for foreign medical professionals, and a secure retirement plan.
The lack of progress on these issues has led to the current situation, jeopardizing access to healthcare for many Kenyans.