- Mudavadi said the stalemate has led to closure of public health system as health workers demand better pay and employment of medical interns.
- The health workers' strike which began on March 14 has now entered its 5th week.
Image: OPCS
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has challenged healthcare workers to engage the government in dialogue to end their strike.
The health workers' strike which began on March 14 has now entered its 5th week.
Mudavadi said the stalemate has led to closure of public health system as health workers demand better pay and employment of medical interns.
He said the strike has affected public healthcare across the country and caused suffering to Kenyans.
"I want to assure the country that we are having logical, constructive and inclusive dialogue and soon we shall amicably resolve the crisis in the health sector," he said.
"I'm urging the health practitioners across the board to reflect and reason together with the government to ease the suffering of our people" the Prime CS said.
Mudavadi said the government underlines its commitment to deliver universal health coverage as a key pillar of the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda.
He said despite the ongoing industrial dispute, the partnership between the government and healthcare workers and professionals should never be downplayed or underestimated.
"Healthcare sector stakeholders should align their priorities and commitments with the government’s healthcare agenda to provide affordable, accessible and quality healthcare services to all Kenyans," Mudavadi said.
"You have a collective responsibility to support the Whole of Government Approach in delivering on your commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for health to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages."
Mudavadi was speaking at the 23rd Kenya Paediatric Association annual scientific conference underway in Mombasa County.
He commended the conveners of the conference saying they provided an interactive platform for key stakeholders in the healthcare sector to share the latest knowledge and reflect on how data is shaping the delivery of health services, particularly to children.
The Prime CS further commended the strides made in the country within the health sector in improving the metrics for the children, particularly in health and education saying access and rights of children to quality health services remains a key government priority.
"Investing in children is the largest commitment in human capital development. Advances in healthcare, education, skills development and nutrition, for our children and our people, enhance their overall well-being and productivity," he said.
"It enables them to realize their fullest potential and contribute to our economic development."
Mudavadi said the data gathered through research and shared through the forum, as well as through regular interactive networks, should inform the government and healthcare sector stakeholders on the priority interventions necessary to improve the people’s access to quality healthcare services.