Northrift KMPDU Officials Lead Doctors Demonstrations in Eldoret
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) led demonstrations of hundreds of doctors in Eldoret paralyzing transport and business in the Central Business District.
The strike started at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret town then to the Uasin Gishu County headquarters.
The demonstrations were led by Dr. Kamonzi Mulei, Secretary North Rift Branch, and Chairman Dr Darwin Ambuka.
The union criticized the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) for advising the government on salaries in a way that disadvantaged doctors.
“It’s sad that the negotiations between the Ministry of Health and KMPDU proved fruitless after eight days, with the Health CS threatening to replace striking doctors. As Doctors we will continue with the strike come rain come sunshine until our demands are implemented,” said the Northrift Secretary while addressing the press.
The doctors are on strike demanding comprehensive medical coverage for doctors and the government has yet to post 1,200 medical interns.
The impact of the strike is being felt across the country with many patients left unattended or being turned away from hospitals across the East African nation.
“No threats whatsoever will make us stop demonstrating we will demonstrate as many days as possible until our demands are met,” said the Chairman KMPDU Northrift region.
This heightened tensions and created uncertainty for patients.
KMPDU North Rift branch is one among the ten branches of the doctor’s union KMPDU, drawing membership from Nandi County, Uasin Gishu County, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Moi University School of Medicine, resident doctors in the College of Health Sciences, Trans Nzoia county, West Pokot Count, Elgeiyo Marakwet County, Baringo county, Samburu county and Turkana county.