The government has released Sh965 million to settle payments for nursing and clinical officer interns, covering both their monthly stipends and outstanding arrears.
This payment will benefit nursing officers, clinical officers, medical officers, and pharmacists across the country.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa announced that the funds include Sh528 million for arrears, Sh110 million for regular payments, and Sh326 million for additional arrears owed to interns at various levels.
All posted interns, including 826 medical officers, 274 pharmacists, 71 dentists, 140 degree-level clinical officers, 1,185 degree-level nursing officers, and 1,251 diploma-level clinical officers, will receive full compensation.
This move comes after growing frustration among healthcare workers due to delayed payments.
Statement from Health CS Deborah Barasa.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) recently called on interns to boycott their workstations, citing unpaid wages for up to four months.
The union also highlighted the tragic toll the delays have taken, including the deaths of two interns and suicide attempts by four others.
Health CS Deborah Barasa.
Earlier this month, President William Ruto announced in his State of the Nation address that Sh3.7 billion would be released within a week to clear some of the outstanding debts owed to healthcare providers, including those in public, private, and faith-based medical facilities.
