Talks to end doctors strike hit deadlock

Written By:Judith Akolo/Carol Karimi,    Posted: Fri, Dec 09, 2011

Union insists they are within the law and are backed by the constitution under article 41(File photo) Talks between the Government and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists' Union have hit a deadlock. Speaking after a closed door meeting at Afya House , Public Service Minister Dalmas Otieno said the 1.9 billion shillings offered by the government was the best offer as at now. The Government has now resorted to the courts to arbitrate over the salaries and remuneration issues between it and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union after running out of options. But the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union appeared unshaken by the suit threat saying they were ready for battle and will not relent on their demands. The Union insists they are within the law and are backed by the constitution under article 41 that allows for picketing by workers The Acting Minister for Medical Service who explained the various measures that the government has taken to resolve the long standing tussle between it and the Doctors union, said the Doctors' action was illegal and contravenes the both the constitution and the labour laws. On Thursday Parliament accused the Government of not taking necessary measures to avert the doctors' strike. Medical Services Assistant Minister Kazungu Kambi got the wrath of the MPs as he struggled to exonerate government from blame for refusal to address the issues and forestall the doctors'. Meanwhile hundreds of poor patients from various slums in the Mombasa County flocked Mary Cliff Primary School the venue of a free medical camp organized by the striking public doctors and supported by philanthropists as the nationwide doctors strike entered its fifth day on Friday. The medical camp was organized by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union Coast. Dr. Abidan Mwachi who led the striking doctors into attending to patients said the medical camp will be done on a weekly basis in various parts of Mombasa town until the doctors' demands are fully met by the Government. Assistant Minister for Planning and National Development for vision 2030 Peter Kenneth said he supports the decision by doctors to demand for favorable working conditions.