In a move that has sent shockwaves across the healthcare sector, the recent advisory issued by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to slash stipends for interns under the Healthcare Internship Program has been met with vehement opposition and protest from the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO).
The SRC’s letter, dated 13th March 2024, has drawn sharp criticism from KUCO, who argue that the proposed cuts not only undermine the duly approved staff establishment but also exacerbate the longstanding discrimination faced by Clinical Officer diploma holders.
The approved staff establishment, referenced as NO. PSC/EMCS/7.1/ (15) dated November 17th, 2021, comprehensively defines the job groups for seven cadres of interns in the health sector, including clinical officer interns. KUCO particularly opposes the proposal to slash payments by more than 50% for Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine (BSCM) Clinical Officers, citing the current challenging economic climate in the country.
George M. Gibore, the General Secretary and CEO of KUCO, expressed grave concern over the implications of the SRC advisory, stating, “This proposed action is entirely unacceptable and threatens to disrupt service delivery significantly.”
The disparity in compensation between diploma and degree holders is also a point of contention for KUCO. Despite the designation of job group “H” for diploma holders in the approved staff establishment since 2021, these professionals have been receiving meager compensation of Ksh. 15,000, which KUCO deems unjust.
The proposed rates by the SRC have sparked widespread anxiety within the healthcare sector, with fears that the cuts will affect service delivery and exacerbate an already strained system. KUCO has categorically rejected the proposal, vowing to resist it by all means necessary.
In response to the SRC advisory, KUCO has outlined a series of demands, including the immediate posting of BSCM Clinical Officers for internships based on the approved job establishment by the Public Service Commission (PSC). They also call for a review and adjustment of the terms of diploma interns in accordance with the approved establishment by the PSC.
“If this matter is not satisfactorily resolved within the next seven days,” warned Gibore, “the Union will have no choice but to pursue all available legal avenues to secure the best interests of its members and the community at large.”
The standoff between KUCO and the SRC has brought to the forefront the challenges facing healthcare interns in Kenya and the broader issues of fair compensation and recognition within the profession. As both parties stand firm in their positions, the fate of thousands of interns hangs in the balance, awaiting a resolution that will ensure their rights and well-being are protected.
With tensions escalating and the deadline looming, all eyes are on the Ministry of Health and the SRC to find a swift and equitable solution to this pressing issue, lest the healthcare system face further turmoil and unrest.
