The Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) have added their voice to the simmering referendum debate, stating that such a talk would not benefit medics and Kenyans who are in dire need of health reforms.
A statement from KMPDU Nyanza Regional Branch, signed by Chairman Dr Kevin Osuri, has urged the Government to consider establishing Health Service Commission to manage the health sector.
“There has been wide discussions on the establishment of a Health Service Commission to regulate and manage the human resource aspect of health. The need for this has been more pronounced in view of poorly managed Human Resources for health and a demoralized and demotivated workforce that the sector has to contend with,” reads statement in part.
The union has said that whereas past strikes have been resolved; there are key restructuring in the sector that have often been postponed. That, the health sector would make positive steps if such changes were instituted.
KMPDU has however warned political leaders against engaging in premature politics at the behest of development.
It urged politicians to acknowledge the pertinence of focusing on the health sector among other key areas rather than engaging in politics.
Politics
KMPDU has given their intention to break the norm and support a referendum side, which will present beneficial blueprints in highlighting plights of medics and patients.
Statement reads: “Whereas we are not obliged to support any side of the political divide, we as doctors will be compelled to go along with a referendum side that embraces creation of a Health Service Commission, as well as sector reforms that aim to make the work of medics not just rewarding, but the experience of patients more bearable.”