Government urged to negotiate with doctors to avert strike

By Peter Ochieng

Relevant government officers have been urged to move with speed, in a bid to prevent another doctor’s strike in the course of this month.

This week, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) officials issued a 21-day strike notice, effective December 22, if the government fails to honor terms of their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Addressing the press during the 7th graduation ceremony at Commonwealth College of Medical and Related Studies in Kisumu on Wednesday, Professor Martin Etyang from Kenyatta University’s School of Business, Economics and Tourism said government officials must use the 21 days to carry out constructive negotiations.

“When a notice is given, it is an opportunity to negotiate, engage,” he said.

The doctors and other medics, the Professor added, normally sign CBAs in good faith only for the government to fail the implementation test.

“It is a shame that what is signed cannot be implemented. We need to pull up our socks and move forward as a country,” he added.

Prof. Etyang faulted the government for what he termed as rushed implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), without first carrying out proper public participation exercises.

“There is an outcry currently about SHA and SHIF which nobody really understands. Very few people understand what is going on,” he remarked.

122 professionals joined the job market, after graduation having undergone training in various medical courses. On his part, Jamlick Gitonga Miriga, from TVET Curriculum Development office called on parents and learners to only join registered institutions for higher education.

“Please don’t rush to choose a college that has not been registered. Do your research, seek for views from various people before settling on the college to join,” he said.

Olivia Akoth, Commonwealth College of Medical and Related Studies Principal urged the government to support private institutions, which do a lot in bridging the gap in terms of access and cost of education across the country.

“We also need government support to contribute to the production of a qualified workforce for our country and other countries.”

Commonwealth College of Medical and Related Studies currently has two campuses – in Kisumu and Nairobi with plans to open two more – in Bungoma and Turkana in 2025.