Kenyan Doctors Strike Over Unmet Government Promises

Public hospital doctors across Kenya have commenced a nationwide strike, citing the government's failure to honor commitments made in a 2017 collective bargaining agreement. The strike, initiated by the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), highlights the demand for adequate medical coverage for doctors and the government's inaction in deploying 1,200 medical interns.

Despite a labor court's directive to pause the strike for negotiations, approximately 4,000 doctors are participating, as confirmed by KMPDU Secretary-General Dr. Davji Bhimji. The union's decision mirrors the government's previous disregard for judicial orders concerning doctor's wages and the reinstatement of suspended medical professionals, as stated by Dr. Dennis Miskellah, Deputy Secretary-General of KMPDU.

The strike's repercussions are palpable nationwide, with a significant number of patients being denied treatment or turned away from overwhelmed public healthcare facilities. The absence of medical interns, who constitute 27% of the public hospital workforce, exacerbates the healthcare crisis.

Disturbingly, the strike's strain on healthcare professionals has led to instances of doctor suicides and fundraisers for sick doctors lacking comprehensive health coverage, according to Dr. Miskellah's statements to Citizen TV.

The historical context of this strike traces back to a 100-day doctors' strike in 2017, which called for improved wages, the revitalization of Kenya's deteriorating public health infrastructure, and increased doctor recruitment and training. The striking disparity in remuneration, where doctors, after six years of university education, earn comparably to police officers trained for six months, underscores the longstanding issues within Kenya's healthcare system.

The strike's immediate effects are evident, with patients like Pauline Wanjiru, who sought treatment for her son in Kakamega county, being turned away due to the lack of available medical services.

This strike not only highlights the urgent need for systemic healthcare reforms in Kenya but also calls for immediate governmental action to fulfill past agreements and ensure the well-being of both healthcare providers and recipients.