Doctors unions have announced a nationwide strike on Monday to demand for the absorption of medical interns by the health ministry and against what they term an assassination attempt on the secretary general of the Kenya Medical practitioners Pharmacists and dentist union Devji Bhmji Atellah
“We do not need an apology from the police because they have proven not to care. On Monday, joined by all other unions we shall match to the treasury and the ministry of health to demand the posting of medical interns and question the motive on the assassination of our SG,” the doctors demanded.
Speaking from KMA center The chair of the Independent medical legal unit ISabbelah Obara, has called for more police reforms after KMPDU sec gen Atellah was shot with a rubber bullet during Thursday’s protests over the delay posting of interns.
The Central Organization of Trade Unions has called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to issue an apology following the police action that has led to admission of ATellah in hospital In a statement to newsrooms, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli further demanded that the Interior CS institute action against the officer responsible for the shooting.
“The brutal actions taken by the Kenyan police against Dr. Davji Attella during a peaceful assembly are not only regrettable but also a flagrant violation of the spirit of the Kenyan Constitution, for which COTU (K) tirelessly fought to ensure the protection of workers’ rights…,” reads the statement in part.
The Kenya Medical Association The International Commission of Jurists and Amnesty international have condemned the brutality meted out to members of the union.
ICJ chair Protas Saende has called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions to swing into action and ensure the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
Kenya Medical association chair Marion Diana has urged the Ministry of Health to resolve the issue of internship postings for new doctors.
Dr. Attella was leading a peaceful demonstration addressing crucial issues within the healthcare sector, including the delayed posting of medical interns and the payment of fees for postgraduate students.