Title: Strike of health professionals in Kananga: the cry of alarm in a desperate situation
Introduction :
In the town of Kananga, located in the Kasaï-Central province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a dramatic situation is unfolding in public health structures. Since Monday, September 25, health professionals have been on strike to protest against the failure to take their salary situation into account. This strike highlights the difficulties faced by healthcare workers, who are fighting to obtain dignified working conditions and adequate remuneration.
A cry of alarm for legitimate demands:
Health workers in the Kasai-Central province are demanding better consideration of their salary situation. In particular, they are calling for standardization of risk premium between different professional categories, ranging from dentists to nurses and administrators. They also denounce the non-payment of certain salaries for several months, thus worsening their already precarious financial situation.
Faced with this situation, health professionals decided to send letters to the governor of the province on September 5 to draw his attention to their legitimate demands. Unfortunately, these demands went unanswered, pushing health workers to take action and begin a strike that paralyzed health facilities in Kananga.
Disastrous consequences for patients:
This strike has a direct impact on the sick, who find themselves abandoned to their sad fate. Deprived of the care and attention of health professionals, they are left to their own devices and cannot receive the treatment they need. Faced with this critical situation, healthcare workers have considered setting up a minimum service to ensure minimal patient care, but this remains insufficient to meet the needs of the population.
Urgent solutions to be put in place:
It is essential that the authorities quickly become aware of the urgency of the situation and take measures to respond to the demands of health professionals. It is inconceivable that workers who dedicate themselves to saving lives are left in despair and insecurity. Fair remuneration, decent working conditions and appropriate hazard pay must be guaranteed in order to motivate and retain these essential health professionals.
Conclusion :
The health professionals’ strike in Kananga highlights the difficulties they face on a daily basis. Lack of salary recognition, absence of risk bonuses and late payment of salaries are recurring problems which compromise the quality of care provided and endanger the lives of patients.. It is urgent that the authorities take concrete measures to remedy this situation and guarantee dignified working conditions for health professionals. The population of Kananga deserves quality health services, and this can only be achieved by supporting and valuing these committed workers.