The National Assembly Public Petitions Committee, on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 met with Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Hon. Florence Bore who appeared before the Committee to respond to a Petition by Hon. (Dr.) Robert Pukose on behalf of medical practitioners’ unions.

The medical practitioners’ unions petitioned the National Assembly on the issues of the delay in the posting of medical interns; absorption of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) contract staff; the conclusion of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs); and the recognition of agreements within the Health Sector.

 In a session chaired by Hon. Ernest Kagesi (Vihiga), CS Bore told the Committee that since the KMPDU issued their strike notice, the Government has been actively looking for solutions to the issues they raised.

She however pointed out that several challenges stood in the way of the absorption of the health workers, key among them being the strain that the more than 8,000 workers would have on an already stretched exchequer wage bill.

“We have been meeting with all the stakeholders to solve the matter. As the leadership, we are aware that our people are suffering from being unable to access vital medical care. I assure you that we shall find a solution,” she said.

Deputy Labour Commissioner, Ms. Hellen Apiyo stated that despite the ongoing downing of tools by the health workers, the parties were still on the negotiation table seeking to find a middle ground that would see the medical practitioners return to work.

Hon. Marwa Kitayama (Kuria East) asked the CS to assist the Committee and Parliament in coming up with a final solution to the problems ailing the health sector.

“It would serve this Committee well for the CS to give a comprehensive response on the best way to move forward as a country. It is time that we find a cure to the problems ailing the medical sector,” Hon. Kitayama said.