The Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) met with doctors from a reputable hospital in Nairobi after complaints over rampant attacks on staff.
In correspondence shared with Kenyans.co.ke on Saturday, KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah revealed that the meeting was held on Thursday to discuss grievances raised by the medics, more so those who work the evening shift.
Also on the agenda was an ongoing court case to recognise the union, high taxes on consultation fees, violations of employment terms, and discrimination against academic pursuits.
"KMPDU convened a pivotal meeting with doctors on January 18, 2024, to address a myriad of critical concerns voiced by the medical professionals. The discussions touched upon several pressing issues affecting the doctors' daily work environment and overall well-being," Atellah revealed.
"In response, the union outlined a comprehensive resolution plan, including Continuing Labour Engagement to empower members, plan to aggressively engage with management and including industrial action, and advocate for a broader Recognition Agreement (RA). The aim is to address and enhance working conditions, bridging the pay gap, ensuring fair treatment, and fostering professional growth."
The meeting was a major sit-down targeted at a single institution by the union since cases of assault on medical staff emerged.
Earlier, the union had demanded action from the state after a relative brandished a gun at Naivasha Level 4 Hospital health workers while working on a patient.
A source close to the incident told Kenyans.co.ke at the beginning of the year that the gun-wielding man was unimpressed by Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that was being carried out on his relative.
"The relative was a gun holder and he brandished a pistol. What happened was the (hospital) took a patient whose condition was probably critical and he was being resuscitated. The relative claimed that the CPR would kill the patient," stated the source.
"The relative got hysteric and started attacking them. He brandished a pistol. The clinicians ran away and locked themselves in a room. The man kept telling the clinicians that the bullet could go through the door."
No injuries were recorded in the incident.
KMPDU also followed up grievances raised by doctors in Nyeri County, at a dinner and sit-down on Friday night, January 19.
Medics complained of issues touching on promotions, contractual engagements, medical cover and payment of basic salary arrears.
"The engaging forum involved discussions on potential solutions, including the consideration of an industrial action to prompt the county's response. With over 100 Nyeri County doctors actively participating, their strong solidarity was commendable with a unified call for action now," KMPDU stated.
It added that the event marked the beginning of KMPDU's broader plan to engage with doctors across various counties, aiming to understand their challenges and collaboratively find solutions.
