Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-04-03 15:50:55
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei announced on April 3 that the government was facing a financial crisis and could not meet the salary demands of medical interns. Speaking at the Women in Procurement and Supply Chain Management Conference in Naivasha, Koskei reiterated that the government could only afford to pay Ksh70,000, as proposed by the Salaries and Remunerations Commission (SRC), while the interns were demanding Ksh206,000.
Koskei emphasized that due to tough economic times and austerity measures, the government could not afford to pay the requested salary. He explained that the previous amount received by medical interns had become unsustainable with the increasing number of medical students graduating each year. If the interns accepted the revised sum of Ksh70,000, Koskei mentioned that they would be immediately posted to different hospitals.
The government had allocated Ksh2.4 billion for posting medical students who graduated in the 2023/2024 academic year. However, Koskei pointed out that meeting the striking doctors’ demands would escalate the cost to Ksh12 billion, an amount the government could not afford. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the internship of medical students who would eventually earn higher salaries after completing their training.
The health sector has been in crisis due to a three-week-long medics’ strike. In addition to posting medical interns, the doctors were also advocating for addressing promotions and scholarships for postgraduate students, as well as clearing salary arrears from the 2017-21 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The situation has led to demonstrations by Meru doctors on March 26, 2024, indicating the intensity of the issue at hand. The government’s inability to meet the demands of medical interns and doctors has further strained the healthcare system, leading to disruptions in service delivery and potential risks to patient care.
Overall, the financial crisis facing the government has significantly impacted the healthcare sector, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions to address the salary disparities and challenges faced by medical professionals. As discussions continue between the government, medical interns, and doctors, finding a balance between fiscal responsibility and meeting the needs of healthcare workers remains a vital task for all stakeholders involved.
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