150 medics ready to work in Kenya

Dar es Salaam. At least 159 Tanzanian doctors have registered expressing their willingness to work in hospitals in neighbouring Kenya, Health Minister, Ms Ummy Mwalimu has revealed.

She said Kenya and Tanzania have agreed to protect the welfare of the doctors noting that they will be paid according to the rates set by Kenya government for the profession.

According to Ms Mwalimu, though the government was facing a shortage of doctors, when the government open its employment window, only 500 doctors from over 2,000 current on the street, will be employed.

"On involving the Medical Association of Tanganyika I would like to emphasise that the decisions were made basing on consultations between the two heads of state and we found that the agreement is beneficial,” she said adding:

"However, important thing is that the agreement does not force anyone to go and work in Kenya.”

Kenya asked Tanzania for doctors following a strike by the medical personnel which has lasted more than 100 days.