Embu doctors end strike, secure deal with county government.

Embu doctors have called off their strike after a series of meetings with the county government.The weeklong meetings took place between national and Upper Eastern Branch union officials and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union secretary general Davji Atellah on Thursday confirmed that the strike had been called off.

The doctors had downed their tools on January 15 over what they termed as a lack of proportions and conversion of contracts to permanent and pensionable terms.

Other grievances include the employment of additional doctors, the prompt payment of statutory deductions and the remittance of union dues.

“We are pleased to report that, through a week-long bi-partisan committee engagement, a consensus was reached, leading to the official conclusion of the strike,” Atellah said.

Atellah said the outcomes of the talks were documented in a final report and Return to Work Formula (RTWF), both of which have been formally signed by representatives from both KMPDU and Embu county.

“As a crucial next step, these documents are set to be deposited in court as a consent agreement, cementing the commitment of all parties involved,” he said.

The SG noted that the end of the strike highlights the potential for constructive dialogue and collaboration between doctors and government bodies.KMPDU had in December issued doctors’ strike notices for six counties.Atellah said there were six counties where doctors were tired because the counties had deliberately refused to implement their rights.

He further said the deal underscores the importance of addressing systemic issues to ensure the well-being of healthcare professionals, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of the healthcare system as a whole.

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.