The Machakos Healthcare workers 60-day strike has come to an end after the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) signed a return to work formula with the county.
This came after the courts directed the KMPDU to instruct their members to resume work immediately and the county to pay them for the two months they were on strike, to ensure healthcare services resume at public hospitals.
County Secretary and head of Public Service, Dr Muya Ndambuki, speaking to the press at the Machakos Level 5 hospital said, they had previously declined to pay the doctors for the two months they were not at work but added they will implement the court order and have signed a return to work formula.
“We are a government that follows court directions, we will pay the doctors for the 60 days they were not at work, not because of pressure, but because of the courts directive,” said Ndambuki.
KMPDU chair Lower Eastern region, Dr Charles Okumu confirmed the end of the strike and the agreement with the county to pay them for the two months they were on strike.
“It is true we have signed the return to work agreement with the county, which is pegged on paying our members the two months’ salaries in full, which should reflect in the December pay slips failing which, we will cite the specific individual for contempt of court,” declared Dr Okumu.
Machakos Health CECM Justus Kasivu, reiterated the importance of service delivery by the KMPDU to Machakos residents while assuring them of resumption of normal operations at the hospitals with adequate medical supplies
Kasivu pointed out their intentions in ensuring the doctors attend to their required duties by pursuing the performance management system that will track their individual performance and enhance the quality and safety of patients care.
The 60 days dispute between the two parties has caused untold suffering to Machakos residents, as some had to treat their patients at home since they could not afford private hospitals while others had to seek health services from other counties making it expensive and unbearable.
After the signing of the return to work formula between the KMPDU and Machakos County, patients are relieved and look forward to better and efficient health services.
By Anne Kangero
