Pain begets joy as doctors strike comes to an end

A conflation of pain and joy was witnessed as doctors signed an agreement that concluded their industrial dispute with the Government.

The impasse which took an overwhelming 100 days had taken a huge toll on the health sector in the country.

However, doctors being represented by their union officials appeared to have the biggest smiles and laughs as they appended their signatures on the pile of documents presented before them at Delta House Tuesday evening.

Doctor Ouma Oluga who is the chairman of the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacist and Dentists Union (KMPDU) expressed his delight after signing the return to work agreement.

"We are happy to have signed the return to work formula and we shall follow up the agreement as this is a process," said Oluga.

Oluga promised on behalf of doctors to offer the best of services to cover up lost time as a show of gratitude towards their employers.

"It has been a long difficult and painful fight. We promise to work hard towards the restoration of industrial harmony with our employers- the government", he added.

James Ongwae who was representing the Council of Governors (COG) joined the KMPDU in expressing gays over the end of the stalemate.

"It is a pleasant day for us and we are thankful to every party that was involved in the mediation talks. We shall work together with the doctors and ensure good industrial relations are adhered to. We shall be committed to improving health services throughout the country" he said.

In contrast, his counterparts Jack Ranguma and Peter Munya were not all smiles when they talked accusing doctors of putting their self-interests over those of the nation.

 They, however, pledged on behalf of governors to improve health service delivery in the counties.

Health Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu who showed rare smiles during the presser lamented on the doctors' cynicalness.
"It is unfortunate that the industrial action regrettably took so long to end. As professionals, we must learn to consider the public interest. We must not put our interests before those of the nation," said Mailu.

Mailu also thanked the mediators and President Uhuru for their intervening efforts to end the dispute.
As doctors resume work, patients are expected to flood in public hospitals all over the country. It is a sigh of relief.