Bolivia: Medical worker strike in La Paz June 26 /update 7

Event

Doctors and other medical workers will be on strike in La Paz department on Tuesday, June 26, in solidarity with ongoing student protests. The strike will affect operations at hospitals and other health centers. Emergency rooms should remain open but non-urgent cases may be turned away and significantly increased waiting times are likely.

Meanwhile, Public University of El Alto (Universidad Pública de El Alto; UPEA) students continue to hold regular protests in the cities of El Alto and La Paz (La Paz department); negotiations with the government appear to be at an impasse. Traffic disruptions and a major police presence are likely in the vicinity of any demonstrations and clashes between protesters and security forces are possible, notably in the event of roadblocks. It should be noted that El Alto, located just west of La Paz, is home to El Alto International (LPB), the country’s main airport.

Context

The protests by UPEA students, launched on May 23, intensified following the May 24 death of a student protestor killed during clashes with police on the UPEA campus. The student was killed during a demonstration calling for an increased budget for the university. The government has said it will not resume negotiations until protests are suspended.

Advice

Individuals present in La Paz are advised to avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence and confirm medical appointments.