The Ministry of Health through state department for public health and professional standards has signed an agreement for health workers after adding an addendum to the Return-to-Work Formula amid ongoing negotiations with Kenya Medical practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU).
According the Ministry of Health, the agreement with KMPDU will ensure that there will be the immediate posting of 1,210 intern doctors to commence their twelve-month internship by August 1, 2024.
“The Ministry has also revoked the Internship Offer Letters issued on March 18, 2024.The terms of engagement for these intern doctors will follow the conditions set out in Their internship placement letters,” said PS Mary Muthoni.
The signing was successfully led by Principal Secretary for the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms. Mary Muthoni Muriuki, and the Kenya Medical practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU), led by Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah.
Although the successful signing was carried out, MOH recognised the unsolved issue of remuneration that is currently in dispute and will be resolved according to the final determination of the Eldoret Employment and labour Relations Court Petition E003 of 2024 and other related cases. According to them, all the arrears that were earned before the court’s decision will be paid in full within ninety days of the court ruling.
“PS Muthoni and KKMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah acknowledge the ongoing court matters related to this issue in the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Eldoret and Nairobi,”
Both MOH and KMPDU acknowledged the formation of the Presidential Taskforce on Human Resources for Health on July 5, 2024, which includes members of the KMPDU. They state that the taskforce will offer recommendations and address problems pertaining to the Human Resources for Health Internship.
The Ministry of Health commended KMPDU for its steadfast commitment and constructive engagement throughout the agreement process.
“ This agreement marks a positive step towards improving the working conditions for healthcare professionals and ensuring the provision of quality healthcare for all Kenyans,”
MOH assured KMPDU of its dedication to fostering a collaborative relationship. This also includes other stakeholders in the health sector in order to address and solve the ongoing issues in order to enhance a better healthcare system in the country.
