By Wasike Elvis
Over 200 doctors at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret have officially commenced industrial action today following the hospital management's failure to address key issues outlined in their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The strike, which was preceded by a 14-day notice, has severely disrupted hospital operations as the doctors demand immediate reforms. Kamozi Mulei, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) branch secretary general, expressed frustration with the hospital management for its prolonged neglect of critical matters affecting the doctors, particularly those on contract.
Mulei stated that doctors employed on contract do not enjoy the same benefits as their colleagues on permanent and pensionable terms, despite performing similar duties. One of the major grievances raised was the lack of medical cover for contract doctors, leaving them without access to the services they help provide within MTRH.
The doctors also raised alarm over the failure of the hospital management to remit third-party statutory deductions for the past four months, resulting in several doctors being placed on the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB), which is damaging their credit ratings.
“Over 200 of us are now on strike, and the situation is becoming untenable. We have raised these issues numerous times, but the management continues to ignore our concerns,” said Mulei. “The lack of promotions and the failure to address our contractual terms and benefits is unacceptable. We demand urgent intervention from the management.”
The strike has created a crisis at MTRH, affecting patient care, particularly for non-emergency services. Many doctors are now calling for immediate action to resolve the issues, or they will remain on strike until their demands are met.
As tensions rise, the strike draws attention to the broader challenges facing Kenya's healthcare sector, with doctors and healthcare workers frequently at odds with management over working conditions, pay, and benefits. The outcome of this strike could have significant implications for the future of healthcare services in the region.
