This archive report was first published on 6 January 2022.
Published on January 6, 2022, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has issued a one-week strike notice to Mombasa County government over pending November and December salary arrears.
The union's Coast Branch Secretary, Dr. Nassir Shaban, gave the ultimatum on Tuesday, citing stalled talks with the county health department on their grievances.
For at least two years, the union has been negotiating with the Mombasa county government to ensure all doctors in the county are registered under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
However, 40 doctors working at the Coast General Health and Referral hospital have not registered under NHIF, while the union has also accused the county government of perennial salary delays, failure to promote 70 health consultants who have stagnated in one job group for over five years, and contracted doctors to be absorbed under permanent and pensionable terms.
Dr. Shaban noted that the county's failure to address these issues has led to a system of statutory deductions being 'on and off' due to delays, affecting the rest of the doctors under medical cover.
He warned that come January 11, 2022, the following hospitals will be affected as doctors will be on strike: Coast General Health and Referral hospital, Chuda, Potrieze, Likoni, Mlaleo, and Utange Health centres.
Coast KMPDU Chairperson Dr. Hassan Ahmed also expressed frustration, stating that the county government has been unable to address their welfare in terms of salary arrears, despite hosting a mega end-year party.
