The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists & Dentists Union (KMPDU) has called for a massive demonstration on March 18, 2025, to address various issues affecting the health sector.
Taking to his official X account on Friday, March 14, 2025, the KMPDU Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer Davji Attellah rallied healthcare workers and civil servants to stand up for their rights, emphasizing the urgent need for the immediate posting of medical interns and the full implementation of the Public Officer Medical Fund, which was designed to ensure that civil servants, including healthcare workers, have access to quality medical care.
According to Attelah, the protest aims to push the government into action on critical issues affecting medical professionals and public servants.
“Mega-demo alert; Doctors, healthcare workers, and civil servants, it’s time to stand up for our rights! Join us on 18th March 2025 as we march to demand: Immediate posting of medical interns and full implementation of the Public Officer Medical Fund,” Davji announced.
Atemo urged the government to act on the issues addressed by the healthcare workers and civil servants without making promises.
“We demand action, not empty promises!” he added.
The planned demonstration is expected to start from Kenyatta National Hospital to the Ministry of Health to the National Treasury, then to Social Health Authorities Offices, and end at the Ministry of Public Service.
“Route: KNH-Ministry of Health-National Treasury-SHA Ministry of Public Service,” he stated.
Medical interns
On Saturday, November 30, 2024, the Ministry of Health moved to avert the looming medical interns’ strike by disbursing Ksh965 million to help pay their salary arrears.
In a statement signed by the Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, the Ministry of Health explained that the money will help pay the monthly stipends of nursing officer interns, clinical officer interns, medical officer interns, and pharmacist interns.
“The total amount comprises Ksh528 million in arrears payments and Ksh110 million in regular payments for nursing and clinical officer interns. A further payment of Ksh326 million has been made as arrears payments for medical officer interns, dental officer interns, and pharmacist interns,” the statement read in part.
“This 100 per cent payment ensures that all posted interns in the specified cadres receive their dues without delay, demonstrating the ministry’s dedication to addressing the welfare of healthcare workers.
