Ouma Oluga, Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists' Union (KMPDU), has written a passionate letter to fellow striking doctors.
This move comes after President Uhuru Kenyatta threatened to fire all striking doctors if they did not return to work, during his speech at the 4th Annual Devolution Conference.
Council of Governors Chairman Peter Munya had earlier announced the cancellation of a government offer that included a 50% salary increment, which would have cost taxpayers approximately Sh14.5 billion annually.
In his letter, Oluga addresses the frustration and disappointment felt by doctors and the public due to the prolonged strike. He emphasizes that the strike was not intended to punish the public but rather to restore the dignity of the medical profession and influence public policy related to healthcare.
Oluga expresses his concern over the corporate influence on public policy in healthcare and the threat to the medical profession. He also mentions the emotional abuse and character assassination faced by doctors during the strike.
The KMPDU leader assures doctors that they have done their part and should be proud of their efforts. He encourages them to remain united and to protect their profession, emphasizing that their skills belong to them and should be used to serve humanity with dignity and respect.
Oluga concludes by stating that the union awaits the conclusion of the signing of Recognition Agreements, Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), and the return-to-work formula (RTWF) as guided by the Court of Appeal under the mediation of religious leaders.
