In 2019, Kenya witnessed the signing of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the government and medical practitioners. This agreement, which was long overdue, marked a significant step towards improving the working conditions of healthcare professionals in the country.
The CBA, which covers the period 2017-2021, was signed after several months of negotiations between the government and the medical practitioners` union. The agreement seeks to address a range of issues affecting healthcare professionals, including salaries, promotions, and working hours.
One of the key provisions of the CBA is the increase in salaries for medical practitioners. Under the agreement, doctors` salaries were set to increase by between 150% and 180%. Nurses and clinical officers were also set to receive significant salary increases. This move was aimed at addressing the issue of low wages and improving the overall welfare of healthcare professionals.
Another critical aspect of the CBA was the reclassification of medical practitioners. This move was aimed at addressing the issue of stagnation in career progression and ensuring that medical professionals receive promotions based on merit rather than seniority. Under the CBA, doctors and other healthcare professionals were required to undergo regular performance evaluations to determine their eligibility for promotions.
The CBA also addressed the issue of working hours for healthcare professionals. Under the agreement, doctors and other medical practitioners were limited to working 40 hours per week, with any additional work considered overtime. This move was aimed at addressing the issue of overworking, which had contributed to the high rate of burnout among healthcare professionals in the country.
In conclusion, the signing of the CBA in 2019 marked a significant step towards improving the working conditions of healthcare professionals in Kenya. The agreement addressed a range of issues affecting medical practitioners, including salaries, promotions, and working hours. This move was aimed at ensuring that healthcare professionals work under favorable conditions, which is critical for the provision of quality healthcare services.