The State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards has convened a consultative meeting with the Public Service Commission (PSC) to address key human resource challenges affecting the health sector. The meeting aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two institutions to enhance service delivery and ensure a robust and efficient health workforce.
One of the critical issues discussed was the resolution of pending promotion appeals currently under review by the Commission. These appeals, particularly those tied to succession management, have been a pressing concern within the department. The discussions sought to create a streamlined framework for handling these cases to promote transparency and fairness while ensuring that qualified professionals ascend to leadership roles in a timely manner.
The Medical Profession Internship Programme also featured prominently in the talks. Both parties reviewed the implementation of this programme, focusing on the need to address operational gaps that have been affecting the seamless deployment and mentorship of medical interns. The objective is to ensure that young medical professionals are adequately prepared for their roles while reducing bottlenecks that delay their placement and progression.
Industrial relations, staff welfare, and dispute resolution mechanisms were also discussed as part of broader efforts to maintain harmony within the workforce. Recognizing that employee satisfaction directly influences service delivery, the meeting underscored the importance of establishing effective communication channels and structured grievance-handling processes. This proactive approach is expected to minimize conflicts and build stronger employer-employee relations.
Capacity building and continuous training were highlighted as pivotal strategies for strengthening the health workforce. The participants emphasized that ongoing professional development is not only crucial for improving service standards but also for preparing personnel to meet emerging health challenges. By equipping staff with up-to-date knowledge and skills, the sector can respond more effectively to evolving public health demands.
The meeting was chaired by the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, with a delegation from the PSC led by Commissioners Dr. Irene Asienga and Francis Meja. Both parties reiterated their commitment to continued collaboration, with the shared goal of building a resilient and efficient health sector capable of delivering quality services to the public.
