The Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists Dentists Union (KMPDU) issued a stern warning on Sunday, signaling a potential nationwide strike by healthcare professionals due to increasingly unfavorable working conditions.

In an official statement, KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah cautioned that medical practitioners across the country were on the brink of joining their counterparts in Vihiga, where a strike has persisted for over 10 days. The protest in Vihiga has been sparked by what healthcare workers describe as failures in leadership and governance.

Atellah pointed to the government's failure to uphold work contracts and its reluctance to address systemic issues within the health sector as the main catalysts for the impending strike.

The KMPDU's statement followed a meeting between union leaders and doctors in Vihiga, where the working conditions were described as alarming. Subsequently, the union leaders called upon County Governments to take decisive action to enhance the working conditions for medical professionals.

''Vihiga County is grappling with a critical shortage of doctors, exacerbated by the outright refusal to acknowledge Medical Specialists, leading to widespread resignations. Additionally, doctors have faced denials of promotions, a violation of the CBA 2017 and Schemes of Service,'' remarked Atellah in the official statement.

He emphasized unity in the pursuit of a fair and just healthcare system, asserting that the voice of Vihiga's doctors would persist until systemic issues were adequately addressed.

Atellah disclosed that notices expressing the intent to join the strike had been issued by doctors in various counties, indicating a growing movement among healthcare professionals. Despite the grievances, the union has organized a meeting with Vihiga Governor Wilber Otichillo on December 11 to seek resolutions.

''A unanimous decision has been reached: our stance must remain unwavering. A crucial meeting with Vihiga's Governor is scheduled for December 11, 2023, where we aim for immediate solutions to the issues raised in the strike notice,'' he further stated.

Notably, health workers in Busia had previously initiated a strike in July after issuing a 14-day notice. However, the strike was called off on July 17 after Busia County committed to addressing the medics' grievances.

The demands put forth by the medical professionals encompass fair remuneration, promotions, elevation of health standards, and an increased provision of medical supplies.