The Ministry of Health has approved the payment of all pending post-graduate fees for doctors between 2018 and 2024.
In a statement on Wednesday, September 3, Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atellah confirmed that a total of 633 doctors will benefit.
"Today marks a significant milestone: all post-graduate fees for the period 2018–2024 have been approved for payment, covering a total of 633 doctors," he said.
Atellah explained that the matter had been unresolved for years, with many doctors left stranded due to delays in processing sponsorships.
According to the union, the May 2024 Return to Work Formula (RTWF) signed with the Ministry of Health laid the foundation for addressing the crisis.
Read More
"In the Return to Work Formula (RTWF) of May 8, 2024, the Ministry of Health committed to settling all pending post-graduate fees. At that time, fees arrears for 420 government-sponsored registrars from 2018 were cleared following our relentless engagements.
"However, many doctors remained stranded because the training committee last sat in 2019, creating a backlog. The suspension of sponsorships for doctors specializing in obstetrics & gynaecology, paediatrics, and surgery worsened the situation," he added.
Atellah said sustained pressure on the Ministry eventually yielded results, with sponsorship approvals expanded to cover additional doctors.
"Through our continued pressure and follow-ups with the MoH Department of Public Health and Professional Standards, this matter has now been fully resolved. In addition to the 420 already cleared, sponsorship requests for a further 211 doctors have been approved during the 2024/25–2025/26 financial years.
"This brings the total number of doctors whose postgraduate fees have been settled to 633. Importantly, even those who completed training without their fees being paid will now have their dues settled," he further said.
Atellah concluded by congratulating the beneficiaries, describing the achievement as a product of collective resilience.
"As we have always stated, the RTWF of 2024 was about leaving no doctor behind. Our duty as your leaders is to ensure its total implementation. To the 633 doctors, congratulations! This achievement is a testament to our unity, solidarity, persistence, and resilience, values that continue to define our union. Long live the union," the statement concluded.
This comes a week after KMPDU accused a section of insurance companies of frustrating access to healthcare in the country.
In a statement on Tuesday, August 19, KMPDU claimed that the insurance firms have positioned themselves between doctors and patients, undermining the delivery of quality healthcare services.
"Insurance cartels are standing between doctors and their patients, denying Kenyans quality healthcare. They dictate which hospitals patients visit, which doctors they see, and which tests and drugs they get.
"They delay claim settlements, force cash payments, make SHA pay bills upfront, drain public funds meant for the poor, and raise premiums while capping provider charges," the statement read.
KMPDU further criticized regulatory bodies for allegedly failing to protect patients, further threatening to publish a list naming those involved.
"Big insurance companies are blackmailing healthcare providers, and regulators (Competition Authority & Insurance Regulatory Authority) have failed to act. KMPDU will soon release a 'List of Shame' to guide Kenyans on which companies to avoid," the statement added.
