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By Ally Jamah
The month-long standoff between Gertrude’s Children Hospital and striking doctors has finally ended after the union representing doctors reached a deal with the hospital.
Under the return-to work deal, the hospital has agreed to improve the 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 the 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“All court cases pertaining to the dispute will be withdrawn to enable negotiations between the two parties to continue.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 the terms of service for its doctors,” said KMPDU Secretary General Dr Were Onyino on Sunday.
All the 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 lady doctor whose terms was allegedly changed from being a permanent and pensionable employee to a contract worker will also see her status reinstated without conditions.
The deal was brokered by the Central Organisation of Trade Unions, Kenya Medical Association and the Kenya Private Hospitals Associations.
Five weeks ago, doctors at Getrude’s 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 labour rights of the doctors with impunity and highhandedness.
“Now the hospital has agreed to recognise us through the Kenya Private Hospitals Associations and we will soon be signing a recognition agreement. Then we will begin negotiations on the terms of service for doctors there,” added Were.
Gertrude’s Head of Clinical Services Thomas Ngwiri who was at the press conference in Chester House Nairobi said they are happy to have the doctors back and miss their services. But he declined to disclose the financial loss the hospital suffered during the month-long strike.
The Union asked other private hospitals in the country to officially recognise KMPDU and partner with it in order to improve healthcare delivery for the country as required by the constitution.
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