Health Workers to Begin Nationwide Strike Tomorrow

Healthcare services across Sierra Leone face potential disruption as the Coalition of Healthcare Workers prepares to launch a nationwide strike starting tomorrow, December 24, 2024. The strike follows the expiration of a 21-day notice issued to the government, demanding urgent action on long-standing welfare issues.

At a press conference held in Freetown, Coalition Chairman Dr. Eugene Conteh reaffirmed the group’s commitment to the industrial action, citing the government’s failure to address critical concerns. The demands include:

Equitable distribution of fuel to eligible healthcare workers.

Salary increments.

Promotions for deserving staff.

Improved working conditions.

Respect and dignity for healthcare workers.

Speaking on behalf of the Sierra Leone Nurses Association (SLNA), Senior Nurse Nanah Fofah emphasized that these issues have been repeatedly raised without resolution, leaving workers with no choice but to strike.

Musa B. Sillah, National President of the Sierra Leone Association of Community Health Officers (SLACHO), outlined the specifics of the strike:

The strike involves all healthcare workers except medical doctors.

Members, including nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, radiologists, and physiotherapists, will cease providing services.

Staff at hospitals and Peripheral Health Units (PHUs) are expected to participate fully.

No Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) reports will be submitted during the strike.

A task force has been established to monitor compliance across the country, ensuring all coalition members adhere to the strike directives.

The strike threatens to severely disrupt healthcare services nationwide, raising concerns about the system’s ability to respond to emergencies, particularly during the holiday season. Hospitals and health facilities are expected to operate with limited personnel, leaving patients vulnerable.

While the Coalition remains firm in its demands, leaders have expressed willingness to engage in genuine dialogue with the government. However, they have urged healthcare workers to withhold their services until significant progress is made on their welfare concerns.

The Coalition has assured its members of full support during the strike and promised regular updates as the situation evolves.

The impending industrial action highlights the escalating tensions between healthcare workers and the government, with critical implications for the country’s healthcare delivery system.