Doctor’s Strike Take Twist As Threats And Firing Looms

It has been a month and three days since medics down their tools, demanding the government to honor the 2017 collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Threats have emerged as police orders arrest to protesting doctors over allegation that they have cause nuances in the country.

Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome ordered that striking doctors should be arrested.

READ IG Koome orders police crackdown on striking doctors

County governments have also warned striking doctors that they will be sacked and replaced if they fail to return to work.

Chair of Health Committee of the Council of Governors Muthomi Njuki said, “I will use the mandate given to me by the people of Tharaka Nithi, those doctors, if they don’t return to work on Monday (15 April), I will have no choice but to institute the process of allowing HR to replace you (doctors).”

However, the medics remained adamant that strike will continue despite threats from both county governments and the police, even as Kenyans continue suffering due to lack of health care services.

Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Destist Union Secretary General Davji Atellah has brushed off the government’s threats, arguing that their demands must be met before they resume to work.

Atellah said the contract which the government is offering to intern doctors is exploitative and that it must be corrected.

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“There is no amount of intimidation or threats that will make those interns take exploitative contracts that has been gotten between SRC and ministry of health. That has to be corrected. That is part of the reason why we are on strike. Issues that we have outlined have not been implemented and therefore  they should not try to threaten any doctor,” Atellah said.