Trade union organizations in the health sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo have decided to end their strike and return to work on Monday, November 6. After nearly a month and a half of cessation of activities in public hospitals, health professionals and administrators have announced their return to their place of service. This decision was motivated by the payment of certain salary arrears of the medical profession.
According to the unions, the Prime Minister and relevant ministers quickly put in place the implementation of the risk premium alignment. The listings are already available in the Budget, as well as the promotion in grade and the admission under status of health professionals, which has reassured the unions and convinced them to end the strike. However, they also deplored the threats weighing on the agents who participated in the strike movement, and called on the government to continue negotiations to deal with the other pending files.
Among the demands of health professionals were an increase in risk premium, mechanization and advancement in grade. The unions hope that the government will continue the dialogue to guarantee social peace and avoid future disruptions in the health sector.
The strike movement began on August 22, 2023, and the government expressed its wish to resume dialogue with the strikers in order not to compromise the program of free maternity and newborn care.
This resumption of work in public hospitals in the DRC is therefore good news for patients who have been waiting for care for several weeks. However, there are still challenges ahead, particularly in improving working conditions and addressing other issues facing the healthcare sector.
In conclusion, the return to work of health professionals in the DRC after a long strike is a relief for patients. Let us hope that lasting solutions will be found to address the legitimate demands of health professionals and improve the country’s health system as a whole.