By Ally Jamah
A dispute between Gertrude’s Children Hospital and its striking doctors has finally ended.
This is after a union representing the doctors reached a deal with the health institution.
Under the return-to-work formula, the hospital has agreed to improve terms of service of its doctors at the end of August. It has also agreed to recognise the union, which will represent the doctors in future negotiations with the hospital.
“All court cases pertaining to the dispute will be withdrawn to enable negotiations between the two parties to continue. We will soon begin fresh negotiations to improve terms of service for doctors,” said Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Were Onyino.
permanent and pensionable
All 24 doctors that had been dismissed by the hospital will now return to work under their old terms of service until a new package is put in place. But they will not receive their June salaries.
A female doctor whose terms were allegedly changed from being a permanent and pensionable employee to a contract worker will also see her status reinstated without conditions.
Central Organisation of Trade Unions, Kenya Medical Association and Kenya Private Hospitals Association brokered the deal.
Five weeks ago, doctors at Getrude went on strike to demand the hospital recognises KMPDU to enable the union negotiate better terms of service for them. They also accused the hospital of violating their labour rights.
“The hospital has agreed to recognise us through Kenya Private Hospitals Association and we will soon be signing a recognition agreement. Then we will begin negotiations on terms of service for doctors there,” added Mr Were.
Gertrude’s Head of Clinical Services Thomas Ngwiri, who was at the news conference in Nairobi on Suday, said they are happy to have the doctors back.
But he declined to disclose financial loss the hospital suffered during the month-long strike. “I am glad that no life was lost during the strike and other doctors were able to step in and save the situation. We hope such a thing will never happen again,” he said.
The union asked other private hospitals to officially recognise KMPDU and partner with it to improve healthcare delivery as required by the Constitution.
