Eldoret: Three unions representing the health staff at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) have called off their planned strike that was scheduled to begin on Tuesday, April 21. The unions involved are the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers, Kenya National Union of Nurses, and Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union.
According to Kenya News Agency, the decision to call off the strike came after the unions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the management of MTRH in Eldoret. However, the medical staff have issued a 12-day ultimatum, indicating that they will resume the strike if their grievances are not addressed by then.
MTRH CEO, Dr. Philip Kirwa, stated that the hospital is awaiting an allocation from the Ministry of Finance to prevent a disruption of health services. The hospital relies heavily on funds from the Social Health Authority (SHA), which constitute 80 percent of its income. Dr. Kirwa emphasized the importance of SHA remittances, as they significantly aid the hospital in overcoming financial challenges.
The unions have raised concerns over delays in nurses’ salaries and pensions. Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Clinical Officer and Kenya Union of Clinical Officers branch secretary, Wamalwa Siminyu Xavier, warned that the management should remain vigilant. He noted that the strike would be reactivated if their demands are not met as agreed, urging members to be ready for such an eventuality.
