The Ministry of Health has moved to avert the looming medical interns’ strike by disbursing Ksh965 million to help pay their salary arrears.
In a statement signed by the Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa on Saturday, November 30, 2024, the Ministry of Health explained that the money will help pay the monthly stipends of nursing officers interns, clinical officers interns, medical officers interns and pharmacist interns.
“The total amount comprises Ksh528 million in arrears payments and Ksh110 million in regular payments for Nursing and Clinical Officers Interns. A further payment of Ksh326 million has been made as arrears payments for Medical Officer Interns, Dental Officers Interns and Pharmacist Interns,” the statement read in part.
“This 100 per cent payment ensures that all posted interns in the specified cadres receive their dues without delay, demonstrating the Ministry’s dedication to addressing the welfare of healthcare workers,” it added.
The disbursement comes days after the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) directed intern doctors to stay away from their workstations immediately in protest of the continued alleged failure by the government to pay their salaries.
KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah said the interns have gone without pay for the past four months resulting in financial woes that have pushed some of them to the brink.
“We will not afford to see any more deaths out of desperation, despair and disillusionment that is caused by hard working conditions. You must all stay at home as we try to discuss these matters with the government,” Atellah said.
“How many more doctor interns must die for this government to keep its promises?” he posed.
In the last two months, we’ve tragically lost two medical interns to suicide, including Dr. Francis Njuki, and Dr. Desiree Moraa. These young lives were taken by a system that continues to neglect its obligations, pushing our interns to unbearable mental and financial strain. In… pic.twitter.com/jyZIxE3IJC
— Davji Bhimji Atellah (@Davji) November 27, 2024
MoH pledge
However, in the statement, the Health Cabinet Secretary recognised the vital role interns play in the Kenyan health sector. CS Barasa noted that the government is committed to ensuring the interns are paid on time and accorded a conducive working environment.
“By ensuring timely remuneration, the Ministry affirms its commitment to fostering a conducive environment for professional growth, thereby enhancing the quality of care delivered to Kenyans.
“We extend our gratitude to the interns for their resilience and dedication to service delivery in healthcare facilities across the country. Their contribution remains pivotal in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and advancing Kenya’s health agenda,” the CS explained.
Further, she vowed to address other challenges arising from the sector which had in recent months been crippled by a series of industrial actions.
“The Ministry of Health remains committed to resolving any pending issues and ensuring that similar challenges do not arise in the future. This is further affirmed in our ongoing negotiations with the Healthcare Unions to ensure the finalization of the respective Collective Bargaining Agreements in compliance with the relevant laws and Court directions. We encourage all interns to reach out to their respective departments for further clarification or assistance regarding their payments.”
