Doctors at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the hospital’s management, threatening to down their tools over unresolved welfare concerns.
In a letter dated January 22, Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) Secretary-General Dr. Davji Bhimji Atellah outlined six major grievances, including the hospital’s failure to transition doctors from contractual to permanent and pensionable terms.
“KMPDU notes that MTRH has subjected doctors to unfair labour practices, including irregular contracts, denial of leave, lack of medical cover, and lack of career progression,” Dr. Atellah stated.
The union accused the hospital of failing to remit third-party deductions for bank loans, investment policies, and pensions, which has exposed affected doctors to penalties.
Additionally, they highlighted the absence of medical insurance for doctors and their families since the lapse of an NHIF contract in August 2024. “Doctors are forced to pay out of pocket due to inefficiencies in the in-house scheme, including drug shortages and limited availability outside Eldoret,” added Dr. Atellah.
Other grievances include the hospital’s failure to promote doctors, register the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), and pay arrears from a partially implemented salary structure.
The union has warned that doctors at MTRH will withdraw their services if the management fails to address the grievances within the two-week notice.
“This strike is not a decision we take lightly, but the welfare and professional dignity of our members cannot be ignored,” the union emphasized.
The MTRH management is yet to respond to the union’s demands.
