The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) has resolved to call off the nationwide industrial action with immediate effect.
The union and the ministries of Health and Labour held another indoor meeting today, 24 December 2020 to iron out the contentious issues that the medics had raised.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, his Labour colleague Simon Chelugui and the KMPDU acting secretary-general Chibanzi Mwachonda signed a return to work formula.
The union SG Chibanzi Mwachonda says the return to work formula was signed after assurance by the ministry that their grievances will be addressed.
The government has assured them that quality and standard personal protective gear will be availed to them in their line of duty.
Similarly, talks have commenced in counties like Laikipia and Kirinyaga where doctors had been fired to ensure they go back to work by Monday.
The doctors say they have decided to call off the strike after the majority of their grievances were addressed.
Even though the doctors were willing to suspend the strike, Chibanzi appealed to the Labour Ministry intervene between doctors and counties having disputes.
“Today being December 24, I know that we’re all now gearing up for the festive season, as Kenyan doctors we will provide services for you in the facilities and we continue to engage. On that note, I would like to declare that the strike by KMPDU has now been called off. We shall continue to follow up on other matters,” he stated.
