Clinical officers have called off their strike, after a suspension of services that lasted for 26 days. Speaking on Friday when they signed a deal with Health CS Mutahi Kagwe and the Council of Governors, the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) secretary general George Gibore said all clinical officers will be required to resume duty in 24 hours.
The government has affirmed Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) will be provided for the clinical officers, a comprehensive medical cover among others, “We have agreed how to finalize the collective bargaining agreement and register it in court by February,” he said. He added that the government will review the contracts of clinical workers within six months.
The move comes a week after doctors called off their strike. The Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) signed a return to work formula with the government, signaling an end to their strike.
The grievances they wanted addressed included provision of a comprehensive medical cover, establishment of a health commission, provision of PPEs, ensuring doctors who had been sent packing in some Counties resume work among others. Nurses, however, are still on strike, with talks ongoing.