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The Nairobian

Ministry of Health disburses Sh965.9 million to interns

Health & Science

By David Njaaga | Nov 30, 2024

**Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa.** [Standard, File]

The Ministry of Health has disbursed Sh965.9 million in stipends and arrears to over 4,700 interns, including medical, nursing, clinical officers and pharmacists.

The payment includes Sh528.6 million in arrears and Sh110.7 million in regular payments for nursing and clinical officers, alongside Sh326.6 million in arrears for medical, dental and pharmacist interns.

In a statement on Saturday, November 30, Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa said her office is committed to supporting healthcare workers, particularly those at the start of their careers.

“We extend our gratitude to the interns for their resilience and dedication to healthcare service,” she said.

“Their contribution is vital to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and advancing Kenya’s health agenda.”

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Barasa’s statement comes as the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has ordered intern doctors to stop working in protest over the continued delay in salary payments.

KMPDU Secretary General Devji Atellah said interns have gone without pay for four months, causing severe financial strain.

The union has lost two intern doctors due to financial difficulties, the most recent being a pharmacist at Thika Level 5 Hospital.

“Four others attempted suicide but were rescued and hospitalised,” Atellah said.

“We will not allow any more deaths due to these conditions.”

Atellah also criticised the government for failing to honour a return-to-work agreement made after the 56-day strike in May, which included commitments to pay salaries in line with court-approved scales.

“How many more doctor interns must die for this government to keep its promises?” Atellah asked.

The union is set to hold a Special Delegates Conference on Saturday, November 30, to discuss a potential nationwide strike in December if the government fails to meet its obligations.