The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has decried exclusion of its’ members in the Kenya Kwanza government.
The union says the current government has excluded medical doctors in the formation of cabinet.
Addressing journalists in Nakuru at the Union’s Special Delegates,
KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah said it saddening that no single doctor was included in the Cabinet of the current government.
The SG called on President William Ruto to reconsider the appointment and ensure place of Doctors in the Kenya Kwanza government.
“This is the first time since independence that no single doctor has been named in the cabinet. We cannot continue to contribute to the healthcare of this country yet we are sidelined” he said.
During the conference, the SDC resolved to continue pushing for the welfare of members among them full implementation of the Collective Bargaining agreement of 2017-2021 as well as 2022-2027.
While noting the continued derailing of the same, Dr.Atellah said time is now for government to stop mere political talks.
He pointed out that lack of government’s commitment to the welfare of doctors has continued to impact negatively on the lives of Doctors and the healthcare system in the country at large.
KMPDU now sending a strong message to the government and counties on the same that there should be serious actions to ensure smooth running of healthcare system.
“We have more doctors trained but not absorbed. This has contributed to the disabled healthcare in the country” stated Dr. Atellah.
The Union also weighed in on the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) which they say is a noble idea in ensuring Kenyans access health services, however mismanagement of the institution is still a challenge.
The delegates argued that proper leadership at NHIF is key.
During the conference, KMPDU constituted a pannel to help in policy framework to better the healthcare system in the country.