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Following intense discussions late Thursday night, government authorities have suggested a change in nomenclature from “medical interns” to “junior doctors” to ensure the continuation of their current stipend arrangements.
The proposal, put forward by senior government figures during a meeting at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), was attended by prominent stakeholders including Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Cabinet Secretaries Susan Nakhumicha (Health) and Moses Kuria (Public Service), as well as government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura.
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A statement released after the meeting expressed the government’s intention to align the payment structure for interns and assess their qualifications.
The term “intern” may no longer be suitable once they are deemed qualified and actively working, prompting the suggestion to rename them “junior doctors.”
As a result of this proposed change, interns would undergo vetting to transition into junior doctor roles, maintaining the stipends recently outlined by Lyn Mengich, Chair of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
Mengich’s directive specified that medical officer interns, pharmacists, and dentists in internships would receive monthly stipends ranging from KSh47,000 to KSh70,000.
Addressing the ongoing dispute over the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the government expressed willingness to engage in further discussions with healthcare unions to find a mutually acceptable resolution.
Despite the government’s call for doctors to return to work on Friday, March 22, Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) Secretary-General Dr. Davji Atellah maintained that the strike would persist, citing the government’s failure to address any of the 19 issues outlined by the union.
Notably, the unresolved matter of increasing doctor employment, which has remained stagnant for seven years, was highlighted by Dr. Atellah.
To facilitate dialogue and resolve the deadlock, reports indicate that a 13-member committee will be established to address the concerns raised by medical professionals.
These developments follow Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha’s warning of potential dismissals for striking doctors, underscoring concerns about patient care amidst the ongoing industrial action.
