Good morning,
The government has now stepped in to avert the planned doctors’ strike announced late last month over the State’s failure to implement the 2017-2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
While it’s commendable that the government has taken proactive steps to address the grievances raised by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU), it’s crucial that these talks are conducted in good faith and with a genuine intent to find a mutually beneficial resolution.
The KMPDU’s willingness to engage in dialogue is a positive sign, indicating a readiness to work towards a solution.
However, their insistence on addressing all grievances and their resolve to walk away from the negotiating table if their terms are not met highlight the urgency and importance of reaching a fair and comprehensive agreement.
Ultimately, the success of these negotiations will depend on both parties’ willingness to compromise and prioritize the well-being of the citizens.
It’s imperative that all stakeholders remain committed to finding a sustainable resolution that ensures the delivery of essential healthcare services while also addressing the concerns of medical professionals.
Meanwhile, here are news stories making headlines on Opera News today;
Several arrested for trespassing into President Ruto land
19 people arrested for trespassing into President Ruto land in Naivasha arraigned at Milimani Court
Individuals who had been arrested for trespassing President William Ruto’s property in Naivasha were on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, 19 charged at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi.
The accused, one of whom is a woman, will stay the night at the Lang’ata police station as they await the court’s ruling.
MPs allocate themselves Sh2b more in budget
Members of Parliament have increased their budget allocation for the 2024/2025 financial year by Sh2 billion.
In the 2024 Budget Policy Statement, the second under the Kenya Kwanza administration, the Budget and Appropriations Committee of the National Assembly readjusted the allocation to Parliament from Sh41.6 billion to Sh43.6 billion.
The Executive has also benefitted from the new adjustments with a further Sh50 billion. The National Treasury had allocated Sh2.4388 trillion but the committee has made an increment to Sh2.488 trillion.
How officials colluded with hospitals to steal from NHIF
A fresh probe has unearthed systemic loopholes that aided the siphoning of billions of public funds from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
A report, by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission exposes loopholes and avenues that were used to steal the billions from the insurer.
In the two-month survey conducted between August 31 to November 2, 2023, it was established that there were numerous infiltration of the digital claims system by third parties, through which funds were pilfered.
While reviewing system audit logs, the investigations revealed that numerous third-party unauthorized access to enterprise systems led to the addition of unauthorized services to Health Care Providers (HCPs).
Without giving comprehensive figures of the funds that were stolen, the investigation sampled NHIF regional and branch offices in Nakuru, Embu and Mombasa where 12 specialised services were added to one HCP.