The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has announced a peaceful protest by doctors in Nairobi as the medics' strike continues 42 days later.
In a letter to the Nairobi Regional Police Commander, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah informed him of the peaceful march on Tuesday next week and requested additional police security.
Dr. Atellah stated that the industrial action was intended to force the Ministry of Health to respond to the doctors' demands after talks between the Union and the government broke down.
"We are writing to notify you of our plan to organize a peaceful procession to address the Ministry of Health's blatant disregard for the concerns affecting Kenyan doctors as raised in the Notice of industrial action. The procession is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30, 2024, starting at 9:00 am," stated Dr. Atellah in the letter.
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"In light of the importance of maintaining order and ensuring the safety of all participants, we kindly request your assistance in providing security during this event. Your cooperation and support in facilitating a peaceful and orderly procession would be greatly appreciated."
Dr. Atellah said that the medics would first gather at Kenyatta National Hospital, then move on to the Ministry of Health, Parliament buildings, and finally the National Treasury.
The Union rejected the government's proposed return-to-work formula the day before, prompting the strike notice.
KMPDU maintained its stance on medical interns' pay, claiming that the government's promise to meet their other demands would not supersede the former.
In a statement released Tuesday, Dr. Atellah rejected the government's offer to meet 18 of the Union's 19 demands, except for the contentious Ksh.206,000 salary for medical interns.
He highlighted the interns' plight, referring to them as the "most vulnerable" group, and stated that the Union is willing to compromise on all other demands as long as the young medics' remuneration is met.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha had threatened to sue KMPDU if it did not call off the doctors' strike, which entered its 42nd day on Wednesday.
Since March 14, the doctors have abandoned their duty stations and have been protesting the government's failure to post medical interns and obey a 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) on doctors' labor terms.
