The strike by health professionals in public hospitals in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to disrupt the functioning of health establishments. Since August 22, 2023, health professionals’ unions have started a strike movement to demand better consideration of their working conditions and their salary demands.
Faced with this situation, the government of the DRC has decided to recommend a resumption of dialogue with the unions in order to find solutions to the various demands. During a council of ministers chaired by the Minister of Culture, Catherine Kathungu Furaha, the importance of not compromising the program of free maternity and newborn care was highlighted.
The strikers’ demands mainly relate to the alignment of the professional risk premium for the second and third quarters of 2023, the payment of salary supplements for the months of April, May and June, as well as the continuation of the administrative regularization process. health workers and executives.
The Deputy Minister of Public Health expressed these demands during the Council of Ministers, highlighting the impact of the strike on the operation of public hospitals and the need to find solutions to respond to the legitimate demands of healthcare professionals. health.
The DRC government is closely monitoring this situation and has invited the ministers concerned to resume discussions with the unions in order to find appropriate responses. The resumption of dialogue will make it possible to ease tensions and find compromises to improve the working conditions of health professionals and ensure continuity of care in public hospitals.
It is essential to find rapid and lasting solutions to respond to the legitimate demands of health professionals and ensure optimal working conditions. Patient health is at stake and it is essential that all stakeholders work together to find solutions that meet everyone’s needs.
The resumption of dialogue is a first step towards resolving the current crisis. It is essential that discussions continue in a spirit of compromise and collaboration in order to guarantee the quality of health care in the DRC. The government and unions must find solutions that take into account the needs and priorities of each party, in the best interests of the Congolese population.