The government will consistently address the persistent human resource challenges that slow down the realisation of Universal Health Coverage, President William Ruto has said.
The President said the government will continually engage stakeholders in the health sector, including health workers’ unions, to promote industrial harmony and long-lasting solutions to the challenges.
He spoke at a meeting with the leadership of the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) led by Secretary-General Davji Atellah at State House, Nairobi.
On its part, the union committed to champion and support the universal healthcare agenda and the rolling out of social health insurance to all Kenyans.
Others present at the meeting were Health of Public Service Felix Koskei, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha and Principal Secretary in the State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni.
Doctors call off strike after 56 days
The meeting comes days after the doctor’s called off their 56-day strike.
The Ministry of Health and the council of governors signed a return-to-wok formula.
Doctors were demanding for full implementation of the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that carers for among others their salaries, employment and medical interns salary.
However, the issue of interns salary was not factored into the return-to-wok agreement as the matter was still before an Eldoret Court.
“We agreed on a 60-day period that they will not be posted but we will be having conversations on this issue. It then means that as this matter is ongoing we will also be having conversation but one thing we must assure everybody, every doctor, every person that the rights of workers as enshrined in the collective bargaining agreement that is signed is that it is sacrosanct, we will always endeavor to protect,” said the KMPDU SG.
