TUKO.co.ke journalist Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

One year since the historic 56-day medics' strike, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) members will convene in Mombasa for their Annual Delegates Conference (ADC).

One of the ADC's agendas, KMPDU secretary general Davji Atellah said, is to evaluate the implementation of the commitments made under the Return-to-Work Formula (RWTF) signed between the union and the government to end the strike.

In a statement seen by, Atellah said he is sanguine about the progress made in the implementation of these commitments, including the contentious intern doctors' salary which the government agreed to cap at KSh 206,000 per month as demanded by the medics.

"This gathering marks the one-year anniversary of our historic 56-day strike, a testament to the unwavering resolve and unity of Kenyan doctors in their pursuit of a better healthcare system. Our collective action led to commitments made under the RWTF. Today, we affirm that the implementation of these commitments is underway, marking crucial progress in addressing the long-standing issues that necessitated our industrial action," said Atellah.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale will be the chief guest of the ADC, which will be held at PrideInn Paradise Beach Hotel & Convention Centre.

It is worth noting that, unlike previous Health CS's, KMPDU has a good working relationship with Duale, and has described him as "the man best fit for the job".

Atellah said his presence during the ADC underscores the critical importance of this juncture and provides a much-needed platform for constructive dialogue and collaboration between the medical fraternity and the Ministry of Health as they collectively shape the future of healthcare in Kenya.

The ADC theme, "Caring for the Caregivers: Prioritising Doctors' Rights and Well-being for a Healthier Nation," underscores the union’s focus on improving doctors’, pharmacists’, and dentists’ welfare as essential to enhancing patient care and the overall health system.

The conference will delve into strategies for fostering supportive environments, robustly advocating for the rights of doctors, pharmacists, and dentists, and prioritising their mental and overall well-being.

The delegates will also assess the ongoing implementation of the RTWF, engage directly with Duale on critical matters affecting their profession and the health sector, and collectively chart a strengthened path forward.

Atellah reiterated the union’s resolve to advocate for members’ rights and well-being, emphasising that the unity forged during the strike remains crucial as they continue to engage the government for a more equitable and functional healthcare system.

In a related story, KMPDU welcomed two major appointments in Kenya’s healthcare sector, expressing cautious optimism for reform.

The union congratulated Mercy Mwangangi on her appointment as the inaugural CEO of the Social Health Authority (SHA), noting her strong background in health financing and pandemic leadership.

Similarly, the union hailed the nomination of its former secretary general Ouma Oluga as Principal Secretary for Medical Services.

KMPDU expressed hope that both leaders would drive meaningful change, calling on them to bring transparency, accountability, and patient-centered policies to the healthcare system, which is under pressure from reform demands and service delivery gaps.

Source: TUKO.co.ke