The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has directed medical interns to leave their workstations immediately, protesting the government’s alleged failure to pay their salaries for the past four months.
KMPDU Secretary General Devji Atellah announced the move, citing financial struggles faced by the interns, which have reportedly pushed some to the brink.
According to Atellah, the union has lost two intern doctors to suicide, the latest being a pharmacist at Thika Level 5 Hospital. Four others are said to have attempted suicide but were rescued and hospitalized.
“We cannot stand by and watch more deaths caused by desperation, despair, and disillusionment resulting from these harsh working conditions. All interns must stay at home as we engage the government on these issues,” Atellah stated.
The union leader expressed frustration, questioning, “How many more doctor interns must die for this government to fulfill its promises?”
Atellah revealed that doctors ended a six-day strike on May 8 after signing a return-to-work formula with the government. However, seven months later, the government has allegedly failed to honor the agreement, including paying salaries per the scales outlined in the pact, which was also endorsed by the court.
“How can universal healthcare be achievable if the government neglects the very people meant to deliver these services in hospitals?” Atellah questioned.
He announced that doctors would convene a National Delegates Conference at Safari Park Hotel on November 30, with the sole agenda of declaring a nationwide strike.
“We know it will be a regrettable situation, but the government bears full responsibility for failing to honor agreements and court orders,” he asserted.
Atellah further held the government accountable for the deaths of the two medical interns. The pharmacist at Thika Level 5 Hospital passed away on Tuesday, just three months after another intern at Gatundu Level 5 Hospital died by suicide in a similar incident.
On September 24, Dr. Desiree Moraa was found deceased on the balcony of her apartment. Colleagues attributed her death to financial difficulties and exhaustion from long working hours.
“The government must also take responsibility for the lives of Kenyans that will be lost during the total shutdown set for December,” Atellah warned.
Atellah maintained that the union would not entertain further discussions with the government, stating that the seven months since the May strike had provided ample time to implement the signed agreements.
“This time, it’s about action. The government must implement the agreements adopted as court orders,” he concluded.
