Drama as government signs return to work formula to end doctors’ strike without KMPDU
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The government move to sign a return-to-work formula to end the ongoing doctors' strike without KMPDU has elicited mixed reactions
The government move to sign a return-to-work formula to end the ongoing doctors’ strike without KMPDU has elicited mixed reactions.
This comes after Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha in a statement on Friday night said the decision was in compliance with the High Court ruling.
“This evening, on behalf of the National Government together with Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Labour and Social Protection CS Florence Bore, Solicitor General Shadrack Mose in compliance with the High Court ruling, I signed a return to work formula to end the 52 day long doctors’ strike,” Nakhumicha said.
The CS thanked all healthcare workers who continued with their work despite the ongoing strike by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU).
“I take this opportunity to laud all our healthcare personnel, including doctors, nurses, and other cadres who continued to serve patients even as KMPDU persisted with their industrial action. Their devotion in difficult moments is a true commitment to service,” she added.
According to reports, efforts to resolve the protracted doctors’ strike hit snag on Friday, May 3, as talks between government officials and the doctors union collapsed again.
The negotiations, aimed at ending the strike, which entered its 53rd day on Saturday, faltered despite the emergence of a proposed return-to-work formula.
Frustrated by the impasse, Koskei issued a stern warning, stating, “If the doctors will not have signed the return to work formula by Monday, we want to ask the court to put necessary measures to ensure Kenyans get services.”
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The dispute primarily revolves around the remuneration of medical interns, with doctors demanding the retention of a monthly payment of Ksh206,000, a figure contested by the government, which asserts it can only afford Ksh70,000.
However, the government’s move to sign the agreement without the involvement of KMPDU officials attracted criticism from a section of Kenyans.
Some Kenyans wondered why the strike would be called off without the doctors signing the return to work formula.
Dr. Korir Rotich: “Return To Work Formula” signed by the employer alone, so which hospitals are you going to report to and start operating, you surgeons.”
Victor Oria, Ph.D.: “Where are the doctors? How can you sign a RTF without them? For 50+ days you have wasted our time and you are still playing these games?”
DJ CJ Kenya: “So the return to work formula was signed by government alone in the absence of KPDU? These jokes are not even funny anymore, how do you negotiate against yourself?”
Dennis Nyambane: “Interesting. You sign return to work formula at the same time urge medics to return to work. What did you sign honestly?” Alphonce MD: “You’re now being a nuisance! Stop all these side shows and implement CBA 2017.”
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