23 Jul 2024 | 07:39 PM UTC
Mozambique: Unionized healthcare workers to resume nationwide strike from July 29 /update 11
Healthcare workers to resume strike in Mozambique on July 29 after government allegedly fails to deliver on agreements. Disruptions likely.
Unionized healthcare workers affiliated with The Mozambican Medical Association (AMM) have announced they will resume their nationwide strike on July 29. The AMM announced the resumption amid ongoing negotiations with the government; they allege officials have not met most of their demands. The strike will last at least 21 days; previous strike periods had been set for the same duration before being extended.
The strike will likely cause disruptions to non-urgent services at healthcare facilities across the country; however, hospitals and clinics will likely continue to provide care for urgent cases. Strike-related protests are possible near hospitals, clinics, and Ministry of Health offices. Security personnel will likely monitor any such gatherings that may materialize.
Confirm medical appointments as a precaution. Plan for service delays; if possible, contact facilities in advance for information about wait times, which could vary. Exercise caution near any protests. Allow additional travel time near large rallies.
This is the latest strike in a series of similar actions dating back to November 2022. Workers are demanding increased funding and better working conditions, among other requests. The walkouts typically last several weeks before talks resume. Authorities have also been able to lobby unions to cancel strikes over the health risks posed by closing medical facilities. The previous strike lasted from April 29-May 30, with approximately 50,000 healthcare professionals participating. Union leaders claimed that over 1,000 unattended patients died from a lack of services.
