Bolivia: Doctor strike and demonstrations continue in La Paz Dec. 21 /update 3

Event

Bolivian doctors remained on strike and related demonstrations continued in La Paz on Thursday, December 21. According to media sources, there were casualties and material damages during the protests. Medical students violently attempted to enter the Ministry of Health building, breaking doors and windows and setting a fire in the area; several officials from the Ministry of Health were reportedly injured when trying to put out the fire.

On Thursday, the Ministry of Health called on doctors to suspend the strike and restart dialogue to resolve outstanding disputes; the doctors reportedly only halted the strike for two hours. The strike will likely continue in the coming days.

Context

The strike, which has had a significant impact on available health services over the past month and has affected tens of thousands of people, has intensified and begun to affect private health facilities as well as public ones in recent days. Street protests have also been held throughout the country, including in La Paz, Oruro, and Cochabamba.

Negotiations between the government and the doctors - represented by the Colegio Médico de Bolivia - continue to stall. The government has threatened to fire the striking doctors; they have also brought in Cuban doctors to address the personnel shortages. The doctor strike protests the creation of the Supervision and Control Authority within the national health system and an existing malpractice law. The Colegio Médico de Bolivia also reportedly opposes the regulation of doctors in the private sector.

Advice

Individuals in Bolivia are advised to confirm doctor's appointments and anticipate longer waiting times in medical facilities. Individuals in Bolivia are also advised to avoid all related demonstrations due to the potential for violence, and to adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.