Intern doctors to start 12-month internship on August 1.
The Return-to-Work Formula has an amendment regarding the posting of intern physicians that was signed by the Ministry of Health and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union.
The old Return-to-Work Formula, agreed on May 8, 2024, is modified by the new agreement.
Public Health and Professional Standards PS Mary Muthoni stated in a statement, “This important agreement, signed amid ongoing negotiations, confirms the immediate posting of 1,210 intern doctors, enabling them to start their internships by August 1, 2024.”
In representation of the doctors’ union KMPDU was Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah.
PS Mary Muthoni stated that the ministry will post the 1,210 intern doctors right away so they can begin their 12-month internship by August 1st, following the addendum’s signature.
The PS stated, “The ministry has additionally revoked the Internship Offer Letters issued on March 18, 2024.”
According to her, the intern physicians’ terms of engagement shall adhere to the guidelines mentioned in their letters of internship placement.
She stated that the Eldoret Employment and Labour Relations Court’s final ruling and other relevant cases will govern the resolution of any unresolved compensation disputes.
“Within ninety days of the ruling, all arrears earned prior to the court’s decision will be paid in full,” the PS stated.
After reaching a return-to-work deal with the Ministry of Health and counties on May 8, doctors nationwide called off their strike.
For fifty-six days, the KMPDU members had been on strike.
On Monday, July 8, however, irate intern physicians began new demonstrations at Afya House to voice their annoyance at having to wait for their formal posting for years.
They continued the protests for four days, spending some nights sleeping at the MoH main gate, until they canceled them on Thursday, July 11, citing goodwill as their reason.
They pledged to work toward a just and practical resolution of the present issues, but they also issued a warning that if their complaints went unanswered, they would take to the streets once more.
“In a gesture of goodwill, we have decided to suspend the planned assembly and demonstration at the Afya House premises scheduled for tomorrow Friday, July 12, 2024,” the intern physicians stated in a statement.
PS Muthoni conveyed appreciation to the KMPDU for their dedication to positive interaction during the mediation procedure.
According to her, the deal is a step in the right direction toward guaranteeing that all Kenyans have access to high-quality healthcare and better working conditions for medical personnel.
“To address and resolve ongoing issues, ultimately enhancing the Kenyan healthcare system, the ministry remains dedicated to fostering a collaborative relationship with KMPDU and other stakeholders in the health sector,” the statement read.
She gave assurance that the ministry is aware of the ongoing legal proceedings in the Employment and Labour Relations Courts in Nairobi and Eldoret, as well as the Presidential Taskforce on Human Resources, whose goal is to give recommendations and address matters pertaining to the Human Resources for Health Internship.
Intern doctors to start 12-month internship on August 1.
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