A court ruling in Kenya has issued a directive compelling doctors and the government to resolve an ongoing nationwide strike within 48 hours, marking the fifth week of the industrial action.
The strike, initiated by doctors at public hospitals in mid-March, stems from grievances regarding pay and working conditions, causing significant disruptions to medical services across the country.
At the crux of the dispute is the government’s proposal to reduce the salaries of medical interns, constituting approximately 30 percent of the physician workforce, as reported by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU).
Labour court judge Byram Ongaya mandated an unconditional meeting between the national doctors’ union and government representatives to formulate a written return-to-work agreement by the close of Friday.
Despite an earlier government offer promising to address some of the doctors’ demands, such as the regularization of intern contracts and payment of outstanding arrears from a 2017 agreement, doctors rejected the proposal earlier this month.
With the government ruling out further concessions and a two-week ultimatum set by the labour court expiring without a resolution, Judge Ongaya emphasized the necessity for both parties to engage in sincere negotiations to ensure the prompt resumption of healthcare services.
Additionally, the court ordered the doctors’ union to ensure that a sufficient number of medical personnel are available at all hospitals to handle emergencies during the negotiation period.
The standoff has had dire consequences, as reported by Kenya’s leading Daily Nation newspaper, with a notable increase in deaths attributed to the strike. Some hospitals offering critical cancer treatment services are reportedly devoid of specialists, leading to a situation where patients are left without adequate care.
The newspaper highlighted the devastating impact on patients, noting that many are succumbing to their ailments at home or seeking medical attention at private facilities and village dispensaries.
Strikes over working conditions in public hospitals are not uncommon in Kenya and typically result in significant suffering for patients. In 2017, a 100-day nationwide strike by doctors led to the closure of public hospitals and numerous deaths due to lack of medical attention.
Despite the eventual resolution through a collective bargaining agreement, doctors allege that the government has failed to honor certain provisions, contributing to the current impasse.
