Mandera doctors down tools over unpaid dues, unfulfilled 2017 pact

BY: Ibrahim Happy

MANDERA—Doctors in all  public hospitals in Mandera on Friday started work boycott over what they termed as failure by the county government to implement a collective bargaining agreement signed in 2017.

The medics cited poor working conditions, overdue promotions and the failure to release doctors for post graduate studies .  

This follows the expiry of a two week notice issued to Mandera County government by leaders of their union.

Health service delivery in Mandera County was halted  in several public hospitals while the medics said nothing will stop them from agitating for their rights.

While issuing a press briefing Mandera County  Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentist  Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Ibrahim Noor  accused the county government of not  honoring its promise and vowed to boycott duty until the county government meets their demand.

Dr. Ibrahim highlighted that the negotiations were in relations to unresolved grievances emanating from the 2017 singed CBA between the union and the county government. 

He said some of the grievances include poor working condition , security of the doctors during duty.

Mandera County government County Executive Committee member for health Dr.Mohammed  Eda however insisted that his department has continued improving the working conditions of the medics and termed the  strike illegal  .

Eda  defended the county government saying some of the doctors demands have been met and his department is willing to negotiate with the union leaders.

“We find their demands unreasonable, unrealistic and uncalculated to sabotage health service delivery in Mandera and their strike is declared illegal,” Mohamud said.

Despite the doctors missing in action across six sub county hospitals, the county government downplayed the strike, saying it has effect on the health service delivery in the county and urged the residents to continue seeking health service in the public hospitals.

The health service delivery in the county is in full jeopardy as other different unions ponder to join the strike should the government fail to meet their demands in the ongoing dialogue.