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{
    "id": 1520990,
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    "content": "The Ministry consequently requested the National Treasury vide our letter Reference No.MOH/FIN/BUDGET/VOL 1 (15) dated 12th September 2023 for additional funding to cater for posting of the aforementioned second cohort, which the National Treasury vide their letter RES1083/23/01 ‘A’ of 9th October, 2023 indicated the funding could not be availed due to the tight fiscal space. Following the end of the industrial action by the Kenya Medical Practitioner Pharmacy and Dentists Union, which culminated in the signing of the Return to Work Formula on the 8th May, 2024, the parties engaged in negotiation on the matter of posting interns. The negotiations resulted in an agreement to post the interns with effect from 1st August, 2024. Further negotiations on the payment of interns saw the parties agree to effect payment as per Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) 2017 rates. With regards to the Government's effort to streamline the process and ensure timely payment, the Ministry has formally engaged the National Treasury to facilitate the prompt and adequate release of funds to support seamless operation. The Ministry is working closely with stakeholders to establish a clear, pre-agreed framework for the posting of interns and the modalities of their engagement, ensuring efficiency and predictability in the process. Hon. Temporary Speaker and Members, regarding what the Ministry is doing to improve the working conditions, the Ministry of Health is working with the Kenya Medical Practitioners’ Dentists Council (KMPDC). It has implemented a range of policy and regulatory interventions to safeguard the mental health, well-being and overall welfare of medical personnel, particularly medical interns, taking note of the strenuous nature of their learning context. The key measures undertaken include- (1) Strengthening mental health support, where the Ministry has directed all internship training centres to appoint dedicated personnel responsible for conducting regular mental health screening and ensuring access to qualified mental health professionals. These professionals provide essential guidance, training and psychological support to interns fostering a healthier work environment. This initiative has greatly improved mental health awareness among health care providers and the broader medical community, reinforcing the importance of mental well- being in high-pressure clinical settings. Furthermore, mental health professionals stationed at training centres play a vital role in supporting interns, offering timely interventions and addressing emerging concerns. To enhance coordinations, these The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and AudioServices, Senate."
}