Medics threaten to strike over delayed intern postings

Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atellah. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Medical practitioners in the country have vowed to stage a continuous sit-in at the Ministry of Health offices, demanding the immediate posting of medical interns.

This follows the government's failure to honor an agreement made in the May 8th return-to-work formula.

According to Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atellah, the Ministry of Health was given 60 days to comply with the agreement but has yet to do so, despite a court directive.

"We have scheduled a day and night sit-in at the Ministry of Health on Monday, July 8. Medical interns will be ready to collect their posting letters as agreed, in accordance with the return-to-work formula (RTWF) and court order," read part of the statement from KMPDU.

In May, intern doctors were assured they would receive their posting letters by July 7, a promise formalised in the return-to-work formula and at the State House.

However, 58 days later, thousands of interns across the country are still waiting to be posted.

Atellah indicated that if the situation remains unchanged by Monday, medics will camp at the Ministry of Health offices until the issue is resolved.