In a major move toward strengthening healthcare in Western Kenya, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Nyanza Branch has established a fresh partnership with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).
The move follows a high-level meeting on Monday between the union’s leadership and the hospital’s management, aimed at enhancing doctors’ welfare and supporting JOOTRH’s transition to a Level 6 facility.
KMPDU Nyanza Chairperson Dr. Steve Onyango Ndong’a said the hospital’s administration had agreed to officially recognize the union, paving the way for a formal Recognition Agreement and future Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
“The first thing we prioritized is recognition by the JOOTRH team, which they have received very well,” said Dr. Ndong’a.
He confirmed that the hospital’s Acting CEO, Clinton Joshua Okise, had also addressed a long-standing concern over doctors’ medical insurance.
“Our members have now been onboarded to the SHA public service comprehensive scheme,” he said, adding that the cover’s activation was underway.
The hospital further committed to issuing new appointment letters reflecting its Level 6 status and signing a Recognition Agreement within four weeks to open formal negotiations.
Dr. Ndong’a lauded recent progress, noting, “For the first time in two to three months, our members have received their salaries before month-end. That’s a good sign the hospital is looking after their welfare.”
Other officials, including Treasurer Dr. Evans Sande and Secretary Dr. Nyabuti Orwenyo, expressed optimism that the renewed collaboration would safeguard doctors’ interests and enhance healthcare delivery across the region.
