High Court Orders Fresh Negotiations on Stipend for Intern Doctors

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KMPDU hopes to secure better compensation, which they argue would lead to a more motivated and financially stable healthcare workforce.

medical doctors participating in a strike on april 9, 2024. Photo/Kenyans.co.ke

By Robert Mutasi

The High Court has instructed the Kenyan government and representatives of healthcare workers to initiate another round of negotiations regarding the stipend for intern doctors, potentially setting the figure at Ksh200,000.

This ruling follows ongoing discussions between the Ministry of Health and the Kenya Medical Practitioner, Dentists, and Pharmacists Union (KMPDU), aimed at establishing fair compensation for medical interns who play a critical role in the country’s healthcare system.

In its Thursday ruling, the High Court acknowledged the existing agreement between the Ministry of Health and KMPDU, under which intern doctors have already been posted to various healthcare facilities across the country.

“It is a matter of public knowledge that the interns have already been posted under an agreement between the Ministry of Health and the Kenya Medical Practitioner, Dentists, and Pharmacists Union (KMPDU),” the court noted, suggesting that there is a foundational understanding between the parties involved.

The court further emphasized that, although the agreement between the ministry and the union was not formally presented as evidence, it is recognized as a standing arrangement.

“The court takes judicial notice of the same,” the ruling stated. This recognition implies that the current terms of the interns’ employment, including any agreed-upon benefits or conditions, will remain in force until both parties conclude the new round of negotiations.

The issue of stipends for intern doctors has been a contentious one, with KMPDU advocating for higher pay to reflect the cost of living and the demanding nature of medical internships.

Many interns face financial challenges due to the high costs associated with their training and living expenses.

With the proposed Ksh200,000 monthly stipend, KMPDU hopes to secure better compensation, which they argue would lead to a more motivated and financially stable healthcare workforce.

Thursday’s directive adds a layer of urgency to the ongoing discussions. The court underscored the importance of swiftly concluding negotiations to ensure that intern doctors receive adequate financial support while fulfilling their roles.

As such, the court’s ruling is a positive signal for healthcare workers and interns, providing an opportunity to resolve the matter amicably and potentially avoid further disruptions to healthcare services.

The case has garnered attention across the healthcare sector, with many hoping that a favorable outcome will set a precedent for fair compensation for all healthcare professionals in training.

The upcoming negotiations will be closely watched by stakeholders, as they could significantly impact the future of healthcare internships and the standards of remuneration for young professionals in the medical field.

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