Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa announced that Ksh965 million has been disbursed to pay all intern health workers who work as nurses, clinical officers, medical officers, and pharmacists.
The Ministry of Health announced on Saturday, November 30, that all intern medical officers across the country will receive monthly stipends and accrued arrears.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa announced that Ksh965 million has been disbursed to pay all intern health workers who work as nurses, clinical officers, medical officers, and pharmacists.
Of the above amount, Ksh528 million was used to pay salary arrears for intern nurses and clinical officers. In contrast, Ksh110 million was used to pay November salaries for the two categories of health workers.
CS Barasa also announced another payment of Ksh326 million to cater for the salary arrears for intern medical officers, intern dental officers, and intern pharmacists.
Doctors on strike outside Parliament Buildings and Bunge Tower on April 30, 2024. /MARVIN CHEGE.VIRAL TEA KE
“This 100% payment ensures that all posted interns in the specified cadres receive their dues without delay, demonstrating the Ministry’s dedication to addressing the welfare of healthcare workers,” she stated in part.
According to the Health Minister, internship programs are a critical component of Kenya’s healthcare system. They provide hands-on experience to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
She added that by ensuring timely remuneration, the Ministry affirms its commitment to fostering a conducive environment for professional growth, thereby enhancing the quality of care delivered to Kenyans.
“We extend our gratitude to the interns for their resilience and dedication to service delivery in healthcare facilities across the country. Their contribution remains pivotal in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and advancing Kenya’s health agenda,” she continued.
The CS also promised to hold a meeting with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists,, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) to ensure the finalisation of the respective Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA).
“The Ministry of Health remains committed to resolving any pending issues and ensuring that similar challenges do not arise in the future.
“This is further affirmed in our ongoing negotiations with the Healthcare Unions to ensure finalization of the respective Collective Bargaining Agreements in compliance with the relevant laws and Court directions,” she added, appealing to all interns to reach out to their respective departments for further clarification or assistance regarding their payments.
The latest move comes a day after KMPDU officials threatened to stage another strike following unfulfilled promises by the government.
In a notice issued by the union’s Secretary General Davji Atellah, KMPDU, the health workers pledged to down tools in the next 14 days. “We are going to use a notice for the nationwide strike of doctors, we have a Special Delegates Conference, which will determine whether we are protesting for 7, 14 days or even 21 days,” Atellah said.
KMPDU Secretary General, Davji Atellah during a past press address. /PHOTO
