Fatshimetrie: Health professionals in Butembo, Beni, Beni and Lubero threaten to strike
Health sector executives and workers in the cities of Butembo, Beni, and the territories of Beni and Lubero, in the province of North Kivu, recently expressed their discontent and their willingness to launch a strike movement if the government does not respond to their legitimate demands.
Health providers mainly denounce the non-payment of the risk premium, as well as the lack of mechanization of many health professionals in the region. In a public statement, the coordination of the inter-union of health of Butembo-Beni-Lubero clearly expressed its ultimatum to the government, demanding a rapid improvement in their working conditions.
The president of the inter-union, Mongero Nzoli, stressed the importance of the hazard premium in these terms: “Today, the hazard premium that we receive amounts to 160,000 Congolese francs. If we convert this amount into US dollars, it is only a pittance. At the same time, we are facing increased pressure due to the free maternity which leads to a massive influx of women into our establishments. It is obvious that it is maternity that keeps our services running, and we can no longer continue in such precarious conditions”.
Among the grievances expressed by health professionals, we also find the fact that many agents are not recognized by the State and are not on the payrolls to receive the hazard premium. In the Grand Nord region, the percentage of health professionals benefiting from this premium is alarming, with only about 35% of agents aligned. Regarding salaries, only 7 to 8% of workers receive what they are supposed to receive.
Mongero Nzoli concluded by emphasizing the constitutional right of health workers to decent working conditions and fair remuneration. “We may be forced to go on strike to assert our legitimate rights,” he warned.
Faced with this imminent threat of strike action in the health sector, it is imperative that the government take concrete measures to address the legitimate demands of health workers in Butembo, Beni, Beni and Lubero. The future of health services in this region is at stake, and it is essential to ensure fair and safe working conditions for these professionals who work daily for the health of the population.