Doctors at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Issue 14-Day Strike Notice Over Unmet Demands
“We cannot continue to work in an environment where basic rights, such as medical cover and statutory remittances, are ignored”Davji
Doctors at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) have issued a 14-day strike notice to the hospital’s management, citing multiple grievances, including lack of medical cover for doctors, failure to remit statutory deductions, alleged discrimination, and poor working conditions.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary-General, Dr. Devji Atela, announced that unless the management resolves these issues within the stipulated period, doctors will down their tools starting 4th February 2025.
Dr. Atela emphasized the urgency of addressing these concerns, stating, “Doctors at MTRH have been pushed to the brink due to the management’s failure to meet its obligations. We cannot continue to work in an environment where basic rights, such as medical cover and statutory remittances, are ignored. This is not just a matter of fairness but also one of professionalism and patient care.”
The hospital’s management has attributed its current financial challenges to budget cuts from the national exchequer, a claim Dr. Atela dismissed. He argued that such excuses are unacceptable and called for better prioritization of resources to ensure that doctors’ welfare and the quality of patient care are not compromised.
“Blaming budget cuts does not absolve the management from its responsibilities,” Dr. Atela remarked. “It is their duty to ensure that funds are used effectively to meet the needs of both healthcare workers and patients.”
The strike threat comes at a critical time for the referral hospital, which serves thousands of patients in the region. If no action is taken within the notice period, the strike could severely disrupt healthcare services.
KMPDU has urged the MTRH board to take the necessary steps to avert the industrial action and fulfill their commitments to the medical professionals who form the backbone of the healthcare system.
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