Bolivia: Medical workers launch 72-hour nationwide strike April 9

Significant medical service disruptions are likely across Bolivia through at least April 11 after medical workers launched a 72-hour nationwide strike April 9. The purpose of the work stoppage is to denounce proposed legislation that participating medical workers claim would effectively require them to retire at 65 years of age. Strike organizers have asserted that outpatient medical services will likely be curtailed amid the labor action, and that participants in the work stoppage will stage demonstrations, including outside of hospitals. Governmental authorities have warned that the strike will likely negatively affect the provision of medical care at hospitals' emergency departments.

Authorities will likely deploy a heightened security presence to the sites of any demonstrations that materialize. Localized transport disruptions may affect any areas that are subject to protest activity and increased security.