The Government Wednesday held a day-long meeting with representatives of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) in continuing efforts to end the ongoing strike by doctors.
The meeting was convened by President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House Mombasa and was attended by heads of government ministries and agencies critical to the discussions – the CS National Treasury Henry Rotich, the CS Health Dr Cleopa Mailu, the Chairperson of the Salaries Remuneration Commission Sarah Serem and the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission Professor Margaret Kobia.
Doctors were represented by a 7-member KMPDU delegation led by the Chairman Dr Samuel Oroko and Secretary-General Dr Ouma Oluga. The KMPDU team was accompanied by a legal representative.
In a statement to newsrooms, State House spokesperson Manoah Esipisu said the government recognises the important role played by doctors in public life, and is committed to continuing reforms to address challenges in the health sector.
In response to the strike, the government offered to improve the doctor's welfare by raising the entry level grade into the public service for doctors to Job Group “M” from Job Group “L”, which is higher than the normal entry level for other public servants.
The Government also offered a new Doctors’ Risk allowance at a flat rate of Sh10,000 per month.
“The sum total of the government’s offer means that the minimum gross salary for doctors will increase to Sh196, 989 from the current Sh140, 244 at full implementation at the current entry Job Group L,” read the statement in part.
Manoah said the Government believes this is a responsible offer in the context of its obligations to properly manage the country’s finances, as well as taking into cognisance the critical role played by doctors in securing a nation’s health.
“Government also reaffirmed its commitment to ensure equity in the nationwide distribution of doctors; continuous training, and a standard framework of employment across counties – including mechanisms for transfer of doctors and promotions,” he added.
Doctors affirmed their commitment to a quicker resolution of the strike and committed to consult with their wider membership before responding to the Government offer on Friday.
--PSCU