The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has announced that the countrywide doctors’ strike will commence on Thursday.

KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah says this is after talks over promotions and intern postings with Ministry of Health officials failed to bear fruit.

“It is sad that despite availing ourselves for meetings at the Ministry of Health, there has been no worthwhile development to report to you and tomorrow midnight, our strike notice shall expire and our Industrial action will begin,” Atella said.

This comes after KMPDU issued a 7-day strike notice on March 6 for withdrawing doctors’ services in hospitals.

The Union held protests on February 29, over the delay in posting 1200 medical interns to hospitals.

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Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha dismissed KMPDU’s demands as unrealistic, saying the ministry’s hands are tied regarding the posting of medical interns.

“We cannot do anything as a Ministry, it’s up to the Treasury to facilitate. The government cannot cater for over 3,000 interns at this time, they have to be realistic,” Nakhumicha said.