It is a win for Kenyan intern doctors after the government Wednesday agreed to post them immediately.
The deal ending a stalemate that has adversely affected the health sector was reached following successful talks between the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and the Ministry of Health.
Following the signing of an addendum to return to work formula, the Ministry of Health will immediately post 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.
According to Health Principal Secretary (PS) Mary Muthoni who chaired the discussions, the terms of engagement for the intern doctors will follow the conditions set out in their internship placement letters.
“ The Ministry of Health, 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, have today signed an addendum to the Return-to-Work Formula dated May 8, 2024″ a statement from the Ministry of Health read.
“This crucial agreement, signed amid ongoing negotiations, confirms the immediate posting of 1,210 intern doctors, enabling them to start their internships by August 1, 2024” the PS said.
On the issue of remuneration, currently in dispute, the PS said it will be resolved according to the final determination of the Eldoret Employment and Labour Relations Court Petition and other related cases.
The issue of salaries for medical interns, which is still before a court in Eldoret is still unresolved.
She however assured that all arrears earned before the court’s decision will be paid in full within 90 days of the ruling.
“The Ministry and KMPDU acknowledge the ongoing court matters related to this issue in the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Eldoret and Nairobi. They also recognize the establishment of the Presidential Taskforce on addressing Human Resources for Health on July 5, 2024, which includes KMPDU members. This taskforce will address issues related to the Human Resources for Health Internship and provide recommendations” she said.
Before the dissolution of the cabinet, immediate former Health CS Susan Nakhumicha had said the Ministry was only able to post at least 552 interns over budget cuts following the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024.
The government has hailed the KMPDU officials led by Secretary General Davji Atellah for their commitment and willingness to engage.
“The Ministry of Health expresses its gratitude to the KMPDU for their steadfast commitment and constructive engagement throughout this 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” said the PS.
“The Ministry remains dedicated to fostering a collaborative relationship with KMPDU and other stakeholders in the health sector to address and resolve ongoing issues, ultimately enhancing the healthcare system in Kenya” she added.
The internship is mandatory for interns to be able to be licensed to operate as doctors.
