The nationwide doctors’ strike in the country has persisted for over a month despite both Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists Dentists Union (KMPDU) officials and doctors being threatened by the National and County Governments.
Speaking on Tuesday, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha however hinted that an agreement between the government and the union was imminent.
“The situation is going to be put under control. If not tomorrow, in the next few days we are going to reach an agreement.”
According to Nakhumicha, the government has opted to take time before reaching an agreement with KMPDU to avoid a repeat of the same issues in future.
“What we want to do as a government is to put a bandage on a wound. That is why we are taking our time,” she noted.
The CS further assured that the government was working tirelessly around the clock to ensure both the doctors and the government were satisfied with the final deal.
“I want to remind the doctors that we serve a common patient and ask them to come to the table and consider what the government has offered and provide a counteroffer.”
Nakhumicha further added that following several meetings, the process for finding a solution has been put in motion which will eventually provide the way forward to all stakeholders.
The Cabinet Secretary nonetheless made it clear that all the demands fronted by the striking doctors cannot be fully met.
Nakhumicha further cited the need to implement the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) fast to provide the necessary resources to purchase medical supplies and fund other items needed within the health sector.
“It will ensure we buy drugs, we pay doctors and buy equipment for our hospitals,” she added.
The doctors strike, well into its second month has paralysed service delivery within public hospitals leaving patients stranded. Meanwhile, KMPDU has been tussling with the government with an agreement seeming out of reach.
