The Ministry of Health in Kenya has begun the process of assigning more than 800 medical interns to public hospitals across the country. This move follows a directive issued by Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, who stated that a total of 874 medical interns will be assigned during this process. The decision to assign the interns was made after productive discussions between the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and the Council of Governors (COG) were held at the beginning of this year.
During these meetings, various unresolved issues between the
two levels of government were addressed and plans for a resolution were put in
place. The Health CS emphasized the government’s commitment to finding amicable
solutions to the issues raised by the KMPDU and encouraged them to continue
engaging in dialogue.
The union had previously threatened to strike on January 6,
2023, citing the government’s failure to fulfil their agreements.
KMPDU about medical Interns
The KMPDU had raised concerns about the lack of proper
training and supervision for medical interns, as well as inadequate working
conditions and lack of basic necessities such as personal protective equipment
(PPE) in public hospitals. The union also highlighted the need for better
remuneration for medical interns, as well as the need for more job
opportunities for newly graduated doctors.
The government, through the Ministry of Health, has taken
steps to address these concerns. The Health CS stated that the government is
committed to providing proper training and supervision for medical interns, as
well as ensuring that they are provided with adequate working conditions and
necessary PPE.
The government has also committed to finding ways to improve
remuneration for medical interns and creating more job opportunities for newly
graduated doctors.
The COG, on the other hand, has also pledged to support the
government’s efforts to address the concerns raised by the KMPDU. The council
stated that it is committed to working closely with the Ministry of Health to
ensure that public hospitals are equipped with the necessary resources to
provide quality healthcare to patients. The council also emphasized the need
for collaboration between the government and the private sector to create more
job opportunities for newly graduated doctors.
The assigning of medical interns to public hospitals is a crucial step in
addressing the shortage of doctors in the country. It is also an important step
in ensuring that the country’s healthcare system is able to provide quality
healthcare to all Kenyans. The government’s commitment to finding amicable
solutions to the issues raised by the KMPDU and encouraging them to continue
engaging in dialogue is a positive sign that the country’s healthcare system is
moving in the right direction.
Conclusion – Posting of Medical Interns
In conclusion, The Ministry of Health in Kenya has begun the process of assigning more than 800 medical
interns to public hospitals across the country. This move is a crucial
step in addressing the shortage of doctors in the country and ensuring that the
country’s healthcare system is able to provide quality healthcare to all
Kenyans.
The government’s commitment to finding amicable solutions to
the issues raised by the KMPDU and encouraging them to continue engaging in
dialogue is a positive sign that the country’s healthcare system is moving in the
right direction. The government, in collaboration with the Council of
Governors, will continue to work on finding ways to improve remuneration for
medical interns and create more job opportunities for newly graduated doctors.
This will ensure that Kenya’s healthcare system is well-equipped to meet the needs of its citizens in the future.