Algeria: Medical workers organize sit-in in Algiers amid national strike Jan. 23 /update 1

Event

On Tuesday, January 23, hundreds of medical residents organized a sit-in in front of the CHU Mustapha Bacha university hospital in Algiers. An indefinite nationwide strike by medical workers is also currently taking place weekly, from Mondays to Wednesdays, with a participation rate that has reached 85 percent. Hospitals throughout the country were paralyzed January 15-17, with only emergency care available. ​

The strike is expected to continue nationwide at least until Wednesday, January 24.

Context

Healthcare workers launched their strike on January 8 to raise awareness regarding the malfunctioning of the healthcare system and its negative effect on working conditions (violent behavior from patients, work overload, etc.). Initially, workers were to strike two days per week (Mondays and Tuesdays), but this number was increased to three days (Monday to Wednesday) due to a lack of reaction from the government.

Advice

Individuals in Algeria are advised to avoid any form of protest due to the risk of violence and to keep abreast of the situation. Those present in areas affected by medical personnel strikes are advised to confirm medical appointments and to anticipate potential delays at hospitals.