Mozambique: Doctors Association threatens strike

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Mozambique: Doctors Association threatens strike

8:50 CAT | 23 Jun 2023

FILE - For illustration purposes only. [File photo: Miramar]

The Medical Association of Mozambique (AMM), which claims to represent the country’s doctors, announced on Thursday that its members will be going on strike, as from 10 July.

According to a report in Friday’s issue of the independent newssheet “Mediafax”, the AMM is protesting against the government’s alleged failure to honour earlier agreements.

The AMM says doctors are angered at “irregularities” in the implementation of the Single Wage Table, now in force in the public administration.

The AMM claims that doctors’ wages have been cut, and their working conditions are worsening, with lack of basic materials such as needles and gloves.

Earlier in the month, the Ministry of Health denied there were any shortages of medicines and medical materials, and took reporters to see the stocks of materials in the Central Medical Stores.

The AMM is demanding that the government respond to its concerns. It says that on 9 June, it sent a letter to the Ministry, listing the alleged irregularities. In particular, it claims that doctors’ wages were cut in May, when they were surprised to receive less money than in April.

The AMM Managing Council was mandated by the Association’s membership to advance with protests against the government allegedly backtracking on the agreements made.

If the AMM carries out its threat, this will be the second phase of the third national doctors’ strike. The AMM says the strike will last for 21 days, but may be extended until the supposed irregularities are corrected.

The AMM says it has sent its complaints to President Filipe Nyusi, Prime Minister Adriano Maleiane, and several other members of the government.

The AMM is the second organization within the health service to threaten strike action.

The Association of United Health Professionals (APSUSM), which claims to represent all categories of workers across the health service, had planned to walk out of all health units as from 19 June.

However, APSUSM suspended its strike for sixty days, as a result of an agreement reached between the health workers and the government. The postponement is intended to allow more time for negotiations.

Source: AIM