The Elephant Behind The Health Crisis in Kenya

It has been over 75 days since the Doctors disarmed themselves and went to the streets. 75 days of agony and pain to the sick. 75 days that has seen our beloved country go into a turmoil in the health sector.

In the news, we have been fed with unbalanced diet until we have become malnourished and sick. 

Cognizant to their plea, the doctors have the right to seek higher pay, better working condition, enough Remuneration and 1200 doctors for the next 4 years for a healthy, health sector.

I have taken the time to read and understand the content of the CBA signed in June 2013. The CBA was and still is under review by the Salaries and Renumeration Commission and the National Treasury before its registration in the court, for implementation.

What you most probably didn't know is; the CBA is over 95% to the interest of the doctors, and less than 5% is to the interest of the common mwananchi and the health sector in general. That 95%, is about their remuneration, benefits, leave, employment conditions and doctors rights. While the remaining 5% being about the research fund, internship, post graduate positions which includes employment of a 1200 doctors annually.

In overall, the remuneration is the elephant of this collective bargaining agreement. The doctors want 300% pay increase. That means, "An intern doctor will earn Ksh. 325,730 per month which is equivalent to what a Deputy Solicitor General who has 15 years experience after admission to the Bar currently earns."

Consequently, " A doctor in Job Group “L” who is an intern earns a monthly gross pay of Ksh 140, 244 , later appointed in the service to Job Group M, earning 155,924, compared to a graduate accountant/economist in the same job group (L) who earns about Ksh .68, 244 having worked for six (6) to nine (9) years to attain that grade." The figures and facts are archived in the ministry of health website.

Well, the points are clear. I wish they would be open enough not to hide behind poor working conditions and availability of machinery in the hospitals. I wish they would not be used by the politicians and hungry activists to create a dust of confusions to minds of Kenyans. I wish they would look back and think beyond their stomachs -just like members of parliament. I wish they would, for once think about the innocent, helpless ailing patients throughout Kenya. I wish they knew they are not better than teachers, accountants, or engineers who also got A's but chose a different path.

You may agree or disagree, but take time and read the CBA by downloading your copy here. Read what the government offered to "the most learned and special doctrine" here.

Keep checking on the next series of "The Elephants Behind" Series