President William Ruto has today held talks with the officials from the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union.
The meeting comes a few days after the union reached a deal with the government to end the strike that had prolonged paralyzing activities in health facilities.
A statement issued to newsrooms by press secretary Emmanuel Talam revealed that discussions revolved around addressing critical issues of human resources for health, a cornerstone in the realization of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The delivery of UHC stands as a paramount objective for the Kenya Kwanza government, underlining its commitment to ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for all citizens.
During the meeting, Talam said the president expressed his unwavering dedication to finding long-term solutions to the perennial human resource challenges within the healthcare sector.
“The government will work with all stakeholders including unions to foster industrial harmony,” he said.
On their part, KMPDU committed to championing and supporting the UHC agenda and more so the rolling out of the social health insurance to all Kenyans.
The union signed the return-to-work formula on May 8.
The Ministry of Health in a statement said the move ends the nationwide doctors’ strike.
“After 56 days, KMPDU signs agreement, ending nationwide doctors’ strike,” MOH said.
Speaking after signing the return-to-work agreement, Atellah confirmed that the doctor’s strike was indeed called off.
“We had a long meeting today with the National Advisory Council which is the highest decision-making organ and they endorsed that we sign this return-to-work formula today so that it can pave the way for doctors to return to work within 24 hours from now,” he said.
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, Public Health principal secretary Mary Muthoni Muriuki were present at the meeting held at Statehouse.
Health advisors in the Executive Office of the President Daniel Mwai and Thuranira Kaugiria were also in attendance.
