Kenya is facing a health crisis as doctors in public facilities demand better working conditions, implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), posting of medical interns, and medical cover. Patients are left in a dehumanizing state, with hospitals and doctors demanding cash before treatment. Doctors have given a seven-day ultimatum to the government to suspend the mandatory use of the Electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS) in the sector or face a nationwide strike. The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has been in a back-and-forth relationship with the government, with doctors not attending to emergency and critical services in all public hospitals. Major hospitals, including Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), have stopped admitting patients for elective surgeries and even admission in the wards. Pumwani Maternity Hospital, one of Kenya’s leading facilities for maternity admissions, has stopped taking in pregnant women who are now forced to seek services elsewhere. KMPDU Secretary-General Davji Atellah said they will not be taken back on what they rightfully fought for, and the strike will continue until all their demands are met. KMPDU Deputy Secretary-General Dennis Miskellah hopes that the government will engage with the unions and address the issues raised by KMPDU, including implementation of the CBA, salary delays, employment of doctors, posting of interns, postgraduate training, and promotion of doctors.

(source: Kenya Media)

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