The Ministry of Health took prompt action to address concerns raised by health workers' unions and prevent a potential nationwide strike scheduled to begin in seven days.

Mary Muthoni, the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, announced in a press release that she had convened a meeting with representatives from the health workers' unions on Tuesday to address their grievances.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Health, PS Muthoni expressed a genuine commitment to resolving challenges through constructive engagement and cooperation, reaffirming the Ministry's dedication to prioritizing the well-being of healthcare workers.

She emphasized the Ministry's readiness to listen to the concerns and suggestions of the medics, with the aim of finding mutually beneficial solutions and fostering a harmonious relationship with health unions.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) had issued a seven-day notice for a nationwide strike, citing grievances such as the lack of promotions for medical staff and delays in the placement of medical interns. They also expressed concerns about their exclusion from the proposed Social Healthcare Insurance Fund (SHIF).

"We have decided to initiate a nationwide strike starting Sunday next week," stated KMPDU Deputy Secretary General Dennis Miskellah after a meeting of the National Advisory Committee Council.

The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) also threatened to join the strike if the issues raised by the doctors were not addressed promptly, potentially causing disruption in the health sector.

While it remains unclear whether the meeting between the ministry representatives and the unions successfully averted the impending strike, the Ministry's proactive approach signals a commitment to resolving the grievances and ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services for the public.