This archive report was first published on 6 January 2022.
On January 4, 2022, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) issued a one-week strike notice to the Mombasa County government, citing unpaid salaries and grievances that have been ongoing for years.
According to Dr. Nassir Shaban, KMPDU Coast Branch Secretary, talks with the county health department have stalled, and the union has been left with no choice but to take drastic action.
Shaban noted that 40 doctors working at the Coast General Health and Referral hospital have not registered under the National Health Insurance Fund, and the union has 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.
"We have consulted with other doctors from neighbouring counties, and they have been paid their salaries on time. For the last eight months, it has been a normal behaviour for the Mombasa County government to delay doctors' salaries," said Shaban.
He blamed the county for doing little, especially amid the Covid-19 pandemic, despite the many promises they made to them. He stated that the rest of the doctors under the medical cover are also suffering as the system is on and off due to delays on statutory deductions.
On 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," he said.
Coast KMPDU Chairperson Dr. Hassan Ahmed added that the county government has been unable to address their welfare in terms of salary arrears, but ironically, they hosted a mega end-year party where international artists graced the event.
