Ethiopia Health Professional Strike

By Pam Chuol Joack, Gambella Vision Reporter

Health professionals at Tikur Anbessa (Black Lion) Specialized Hospital staged a protest on Tuesday, ahead of a nationwide strike scheduled for Wednesday. They are demanding improved salaries, benefits, and working conditions.

Protesters displayed placards with messages such as “We Save Lives But Can’t Afford Rent,” “Stop Harassing Health Workers,” and “Healthy Citizens Build a Strong Economy.” This demonstration follows similar protests in various public hospitals across the country, including Debre Tabor, Debre Markos, and Bahir Dar, where health workers voiced concerns over delayed salaries and worsening workplace conditions.

A participating health professional explained to Addis Standard that the upcoming nationwide strike will be a “partial strike,” ensuring that emergency, labor, and ICU services remain operational.

He emphasized their commitment to patient care, stating, “We really care for our people” and reaffirmed their oath to avoid harming patients. However, he warned that if authorities retaliate against those participating in the strike, they would have no choice but to escalate to a full strike, holding the government accountable for any resulting harm to patients.