President William Ruto has pledged to tackle the persistent human resource challenges hindering the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Kenya.
During a meeting with the leadership of the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) on Saturday, May 11, 2024, Ruto emphasized the government’s commitment to engaging stakeholders in the health sector to foster industrial harmony and find lasting solutions to these challenges.
“The government will consistently address the persistent human resource challenges that slow down the realisation of Universal Health Coverage,” Ruto said.
Led by Secretary-General Davji Atellah, the KMPDU leadership affirmed their support for the universal healthcare agenda and the implementation of social health insurance for all Kenyans.
The union pledged to collaborate with the government in advancing these healthcare initiatives.
Also in attendance were Felix Kosgei, the Health of Public Service, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, and Mary Muthoni, the Principal Secretary in the State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards.
Doctors’ strike called off
Ruto’s meeting with KMPDU leadership comes days after the union called off doctors’ strike that paralysed normal operations at public hospitals for 56 days.
After 56 days of deadlock, the protracted doctors’ strike reached a resolution as the government and the KMPDU inked a return-to-work agreement on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
The agreement came after the Employment and Labour Relations Court mandated both parties to devise an acceptable solution by May 8, 2024.
KMPDU and the government agreed on 13 key issues to end the doctors’ strike.
Before you go…how about joining our vibrant Telegram and WhatsApp channels for hotter stories?
Telegram: https://t.me/k24tvdigital
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaKQnFUIXnljs50pC32O
