Strike by non-medical health professionals in Bandundu, tragic consequences for the local population, health centers closed, request for a response from the Congolese government.
The city of Bandundu, in the province of Kwilu, is currently affected by a strike by non-physician health professionals. This situation has tragic consequences for the local population, who find themselves delivered to their sad fate, without access to the care they need.
Several health establishments had to close their doors because of this strike. Among them are the health centers Bondeko 1, Basoko 1 and 2. This situation leaves many patients without medical care, putting their health at risk.
The situation is all the more worrying as the Bandundu general reference hospital cannot compensate for the absence of other health professionals. Only the doctors are present, but they are overwhelmed by the number of patients to be treated. They do their best to provide care, but resources are limited.
Faced with this alarming situation, the provincial executive secretary of the Kwilu province nurses’ union, Huguette Pumbu, appealed to the Congolese government. She asks that the demands of the strikers be taken into account, in particular the mechanization of new units and the alignment with the risk premium. She says that if their rights are not respected, non-physician health professionals will not resume service.
Huguette Pumbu also underlines the inequality in remuneration and the lack of recognition of the work of non-physician health professionals. She recalls that many workers have devoted many years of their lives to their job without receiving decent wages or hazard pay, despite the risky nature of their mission.
For more than a week, non-physician health professionals in Kwilu province have decided to lay down their work tools as a sign of protest. This strike is a cry of alarm to draw attention to the difficult working conditions and the legitimate grievances of health care workers.
It is urgent that the Congolese government take measures to meet the demands of the strikers and guarantee access to health care for the people of Bandundu. The health of citizens cannot be jeopardized because of a failure to take into account the rights of non-physician health professionals.
Let’s keep an eye on this situation and hope that solutions will be quickly found to end the strike and ensure quality health services for all. Health is a fundamental right, and it is essential to do everything possible to guarantee its access to each individual.