Munya says governors ready to talk with striking doctors
Council of Governors chairman Peter Munya addresses journalists outside the Meru County offices on February 13, 2017. He said there is still room for negotiations with the striking doctors. PHOTO | PHOEBE OKALL | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- He asked doctors to re-consider their demands saying the government cannot afford to implement the 2013 CBA.
- He absolved himself from any blame of being behind the jailing of seven doctors’ union officials.
- Mr Munya thanked the few doctors still working in different hospitals in the country.
The Council of Governors has said there is still an open window for negotiations with striking doctors despite the jailing of union officials by the labour court for contempt.
Chairman Peter Munya said governors were forced to seek legal action after talks with striking doctors failed.
“We are still ready for negotiations because patients are still suffering due to the ongoing strike. We should not blame anyone for the ruling because it is not going to affect the negotiations and the collective bargaining agreement,” said Mr Munya.
The Meru governor urged doctors to reconsider their demands, saying the government cannot afford to implement the 2013 CBA that sought to improve their salaries and working conditions in public hospitals.
CONSIDER DEMANDS
Mr Munya urged the health workers to compare their salaries with those of others in third world countries rather than demanding what doctors are paid in developed countries.
“We should consider many factors before raising issues of [higher] salaries.
“Where will the country raise the money to pay doctors a 300 per cent pay raise in this overstretched economy?” wondered Governor Munya.
He absolved himself from any blame for the jailing of seven doctors’ union officials, saying he represents the Council of Governors (CoG).
“I don’t make [an] individual decision. We discuss as CoG before I make official statements, so blaming individuals over issues won’t help,” he said.
The governor thanked the few doctors still working in different hospitals in the country.
