Bolivia: Public health workers launch 72-hour nationwide strike April 20

Event

Employees of the National Health Fund (Caja Nacional de Salud, CNS), a government agency that administers Bolivia's short-term social security system, launched a nationwide 72-hour strike on April 20. For the duration of the work stoppage, public healthcare facilities will only provide treatment for emergency cases; patients seeking non-emergency care are reportedly being turned away.

Striking workers will likely also stage a series of street protests as part of their labor action. During the afternoon of April 20, strike participants demonstrated outside CNS headquarters in La Paz, blocking Avenida Mariscal Santa Cruz and Calle Almirante Grau. Any future protest that may materialize could prompt localized transport and business disruptions. Clashes cannot be ruled out, especially if police attempt to forcibly disperse protesters.

Advice

Reconfirm all medical appointments for the duration of the strike. Avoid all demonstrations as a precaution. If violence occurs, immediately leave the area and seek shelter in a non-governmental building. Do not attempt to drive through protester roadblocks; wait for police to dismantle them instead.