Post a comment
The Coalition of Healthcare Workers has issued a stern reminder to the government regarding its 21-day strike notice, reaffirming its commitment to commence industrial action if their welfare demands are not addressed.
At a press conference held in Freetown on Thursday, December 19, 2024, Coalition Chairman Dr. Eugene Conteh emphasized the group’s resolve, confirming that the strike will officially begin on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, following the expiration of the notice on Monday, December 23.
Speaking on behalf of the Sierra Leone Nurses Association (SLNA), Senior Nurse Nanah Fofah outlined key welfare issues prompting the strike, including:
Equitable distribution of fuel to eligible healthcare workers.
Salary increments.
Promotions.
Improved working conditions.
Respect and dignity for labor.
Musa B. Sillah, National President of the Sierra Leone Association of Community Health Officers (SLACHO), detailed the strike plan, stressing the following points:
The strike will involve all healthcare workers except medical doctors.
No services will be provided by coalition members, including CHO/CHAs, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, radiologists, and physiotherapists.
Staff at hospitals and Peripheral Health Units (PHUs) are encouraged to participate fully.
No Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) reports will be submitted from healthcare facilities on December 23.
A task force will monitor compliance nationwide.
Sillah also disclosed that coalition leaders are engaging hospital matrons to ensure alignment with the strike directives. While the Coalition remains open to genuine dialogue, it has called on its members to withhold their services until further notice.
The industrial action underscores escalating tensions between healthcare workers and the government over welfare issues.
The strike, if implemented, could disrupt services at hospitals and health facilities nationwide, amplifying concerns over the healthcare system’s capacity to respond to emergencies during the holiday season.
The Coalition has assured its members of full support and promised regular updates as the situation unfolds.
