Kenyan Doctors to Strike as Unpaid Salaries Spark Healthcare Crisis

KMPDU announces a strike after the tragic death of Dr. Francis Njuki, exposing unpaid salaries and unsafe working conditions. Will Kenya's healthcare sector collapse?

Nov 28, 2024 - 16:11
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Kenyan Doctors to Strike as Unpaid Salaries Spark Healthcare Crisis

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has announced plans for intern doctors to strike following the tragic death of Dr. Francis Njuki, a pharmacist at Thika Level 5 Hospital. His death, suspected to be a suicide, is the second such case within two months, following the passing of Dr. Desree Moraa under similar circumstances.

KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah criticized the Kenyan government for failing to honor the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which promised improved working conditions and timely salaries for medical interns. Dr. Njuki had reportedly not received any salary since August, reflecting a broader issue of unpaid and underpaid healthcare workers, which the union attributes to systemic failures in the healthcare sector.

The union warned that unless immediate reforms are made to address unsafe working conditions, including timely payment and better mental health support for healthcare workers, a nationwide disruption of medical services could follow. They are demanding action from the government, emphasizing that the ongoing neglect endangers both healthcare workers and the public.

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Mabbri Mabbri is a dedicated writer at aKtive Citizen, a leading Kenyan digital platform and news media outlet. With a passion for fostering civic engagement, Mabbri crafts high-quality articles that delve into governance, human rights, innovation, and social issues. Their work embodies aKtive Citizen's mission to inspire active citizenship and empower a well-informed, participatory society. As a storyteller and advocate for credible reporting, Mabbri seeks to represent diverse viewpoints, uphold editorial integrity, and drive meaningful conversations that shape Kenya's future.