Health Crisis Escalates as Doctors Continue Strike Over Unfulfilled Agreement

Renowned Medic from Murang’a, Dr. Moses Mwangi, has voiced concerns over the ongoing health crisis gripping Kenya as doctors, pharmacists, and dentists in the public health sector persist with their strike. The strike, now in its second month, follows a cascade effect after doctors initiated industrial action due to the government’s failure to honor the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The CBA, signed in 2017, aimed to avert prolonged strikes and improve working conditions for medical practitioners. However, crucial elements of the agreement remain unfulfilled by the government, including the placement of medical interns and the provision of fair compensation.

One of the critical grievances highlighted by Dr. Mwangi is the discrepancy in stipend payments for medical interns. While previous interns received Ksh 206,000, the current crop is offered a mere Ksh 70,000, significantly lower than the agreed-upon amount and detrimental to the livelihoods of these essential healthcare workers.

Dr. Mwangi emphasized the dire consequences of the ongoing strike, citing preventable deaths occurring due to the absence of medical personnel in public hospitals. He called on the government to initiate immediate dialogue and honor the terms of the CBA to resolve the crisis and prevent further loss of life.

Expressing disappointment in the lack of action from the Ministry of Health, Dr. Mwangi questioned the role of Health CS Susan Nakhumicha, urging accountability and suggesting the need for new leadership to address the pressing health issues facing the nation.

The escalating crisis underscores the urgency for the government to prioritize healthcare and engage in meaningful dialogue with medical professionals to reach a resolution that ensures the well-being of all Kenyans.