KMPDU Warns 18 Counties Over Doctors’ Neglect, Pushes for Healthcare Return to National Government

Union Issues Stern Warning to County Governments

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has issued a warning to 18 counties over what it terms as continued neglect of doctors and other healthcare workers. The union says unless urgent measures are taken, it will authorize industrial action in the affected counties.

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Speaking during the Annual Delegates Conference (ADC) in Mombasa, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah said doctors were struggling with withheld contributions to the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has barred many from accessing their own healthcare benefits.

Counties Under Fire: Kiambu and Lamu Named

Among the counties singled out were Kiambu and Lamu, which have allegedly failed to remit doctors’ contributions on time. “Doctors in some counties cannot access medical care themselves. That’s unacceptable,” Dr. Atellah told the conference, which was also attended by Health CS Aden Duale.

The union confirmed that it has already approved strike action in the 18 counties but was holding off for two weeks in respect of the CS’s presence and pledge to act swiftly.

Calls for Healthcare Re-centralization

KMPDU Deputy Secretary General Dr. Dennis Miskellah suggested that healthcare should be returned to the national government. “Establishing a Health Service Commission could finally end the never-ending protests,” he argued.

CS Duale Responds

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale promised to personally follow up on the matter. “Let Dr. Atellah share the list of counties with me. I’ll summon their leadership to find a lasting solution,” he said.

What’s Next for Healthcare in Kenya?

With strikes already ongoing in Kakamega and Marsabit and more looming, all eyes are now on whether the government will act fast enough to prevent a nationwide healthcare crisis.