Title: The strike of doctors and nurses paralyzes public hospitals in the DRC
Introduction :
Since August 22, 2023, public hospitals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been experiencing unprecedented paralysis due to a strike by doctors and nurses who are members of the trade unions of health professionals and administrators (SPAS). This generalized strike is the result of a long standoff between the unions and the government, which failed to meet the demands of health professionals. In this article, we will examine the reasons for this strike, the consequences for health services and the prospects for the future.
The claims of health professionals:
The doctors, nurses and health administrators sent a letter to the state authorities, in which they made several demands. They demand in particular the alignment of the risk premium in the 2nd and 3rd quarters of 2023, the payment of salaries for agents who are not paid, the additional pay for the 2nd quarter of 2023, promotion in grade, the tenure of acts administrative and the admission under statute of the newly recruited agents. These demands reflect the difficulties encountered by health professionals in the performance of their duties and their legitimate desire to improve their working conditions.
The paralysis of health services:
The doctors’ and nurses’ strike had a considerable impact on health services in public hospitals. Patients face delays in consultations, care and surgeries. Emergency rooms are also affected, with long wait times and sometimes the inability to receive life-saving treatment in a timely manner. In addition, essential services such as laboratories, pharmacies and medical imaging services are operating in slow motion, which compromises the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
The disparity among health professionals:
It is important to point out that there is a disparity among health professionals when it comes to observing the strike. Doctors who are members of some unions have not responded to the strike call, which raises questions about the cohesion of the movement. However, the doctors who are members of the SPAS unions are engaged in the strike and continue to claim their rights. This disparity underscores the need for stronger unity among health professionals in order to pressure the government and achieve concrete results.
Future prospects :
It is crucial that the government listens and responds to the demands of health professionals, as they are essential to the functioning of hospitals and the provision of quality care to the population.. The authorities must take concrete measures to improve the working conditions and salaries of health professionals, in order to prevent future strikes and ensure that public hospitals can operate efficiently. This situation also highlights the importance of investing more in the health system in order to meet the growing needs of the population and improve access to quality care.
Conclusion :
The strike of doctors and nurses in public hospitals in the DRC highlights the difficulties facing health professionals. The legitimate demands of the trade unions reflect the need to improve working conditions and the recognition of their essential contribution. It is imperative that the government respond quickly to these demands to prevent further deterioration of health services