Doctors in Kiambu have officially gone on strike following the County Government’s failure to engage in meaningful dialogue with their union, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU).
According to KMPDU chairman Dr. Abi Mwachi, the doctors gave the county a 21 day notice to address their concerns but were instead met with court intimidation with the county opting for last-minute legal maneuver to block the industrial action.
“Rather than make good faith efforts to engage, the County Government waited until the final day of the notice period to rush to court,” Dr Mwachi stated. “However, the court declined to issue any orders halting the strike, effectively giving doctors the green light to proceed with the industrial action.”
The Doctors in Kiambu have cited several reasons for their strike including lack of promotions and retaliation against any doctors that speak out on toxic work conditions.
“The county government has consistently ignored critical issues. For example, some doctors have remained in the same job group for 14 years, working without any career progression, even as they near retirement. This is despite the return-to-work formula signed after a 56-day strike last year, which Kiambu has blatantly disregarded.”
On retaliation Dr Mwachi said, “It is troubling to see that it is the county’s tendency to punish doctors who raise workplace concerns. These professionals are subjected to arbitrary transfers, with one doctor reportedly transferred five times in six months, only to face the same problems at each new facility.”
In order to fulfill ethical obligation and avoid creating a healthcare Vacuum the union has rolled out a minimum service requirement plan, according to Dr. Bill Muriuki, KMPDU Central Kenya Branch Secretary the plan is meant to protect the public.
“As doctors, we have decided to reorganize service delivery during this period of industrial action to ensure that emergency healthcare remains available. All non-essential medical services in the county are suspended. Emergency services will remain operational, but only one doctor will be stationed per facility at the casualty department, with care limited to stabilization and referral.” He explained.
The Union maintains that it is open to dialogue with the county government and blames them for the service disruption as their failure to engage left doctors with no option but to go on strike.
“We remain open to genuine dialogue, but until such engagement happens, the strike shall remain in force,” Dr Muriuki Said.
