Azimio leader Raila Odinga on Thursday issued an ultimatum to President William Ruto over the issues experienced within the health sector.
In a press briefing held on Thursday, April 11, Odinga asked the government to reinstate the Ksh206,000 salary pay for the intern doctors, until the next CBA negotiations.
“During that next round of negotiations, both parties will put their cases on the table for consideration,” Odinga argued.
The opposition leader further noted that the Ministry of Health is supposed to pay school fees for doctors pursuing further studies with counties paying their salaries.
“My understanding is that while Counties have kept their side of the arrangement, the Ministry of Health has failed to do so since 2018, thus doctors can’t graduate from their courses,” he added.
Odinga further advised the government to have a sit down with the Counties, to resolve the issue of pay for the doctors who have overstayed in colleges.
"I have been shocked to learn that some of our high-end hospitals are hiring doctors on 1-3 months contracts. The Ministry must lay down rules that ensure fair, respectful and sustainable labour practices."
Raila also addressed the issue surrounding the unprocedural termination of contracts, citing recent steps taken by various counties on striking county doctors.
"I believe that the above actions if taken in consultation with the union, will see us avert the crisis that is building up in the health sector," he added.
The Ministry of Health on Thursday maintained its stance to pay medical interest a stipend of Ksh70,000 per month, after sending a posting letter through the email system.
The doctors' strike is currently in its fourth week, with KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah vowing to carry on until their demands are met.
The doctors signed a contentious CBA with the Ministry of Health on June 30, 2017. The CBA states that the lowest monthly salary for a doctor intern stands at Ksh212,000, inclusive of allowances.
