By: Getahun Tsegaye
Staff Reporter
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia-The Ethiopian Health Professionals Association (EHPA) president, Yonatan Dagnaw, was arrested by security forces on Sunday. Melese Bata, deputy President of the Association, has confirmed the news to BBC Amharic service.
Dr. Yonatan was practicing at Bichena Primary Hospital, in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, Melese added.
“Yonatan was taken from his home this morning [Sunday] by security forces,” the EHPA stated in a statement to TIKVAH, a local media outlet calling for his “immediate release.”
The association expressed serious concern over what it called an attempt to silence professional advocacy. “Arresting and intimidating our president and other leaders cannot silence the legitimate demands of health professionals,” the statement said. “We believe the president must be released immediately so that the concerns of healthcare professionals can be addressed urgently.”
EHPA also revealed that Yonatan had been summoned on Saturday under the pretext of being “wanted for questioning,” but was instead detained today. “His family informed us that he was taken from home, not merely questioned,” they added.
The association criticized the broader crackdown on professionals, stating: “Is it justifiable to detain people who advocate for solutions through dialogue simply because they are healthcare professionals? No one knows who’s next, and this is our message.”
EHPA insisted the arrest was not related to a personal matter. “The president was not detained for a private issue. He was representing the association. We call on all health professionals to show solidarity with him.”
Reports have also emerged that medical professionals in various regions — including Arbaminch, and Wolaita Sodo — are facing harassment and intimidation. EHPA noted that “health professionals in different areas are reportedly being intimidated.”
In Arbaminch, the association confirmed the arrest of three doctors: Dr. Barnabas Samuel, Dr. Melaku Almaw, and Dr. Habtamu Getachew. Their families say the arrests are related to recent protests and demands by healthcare workers.
However, Dr. Ambasader Duma, the Chief Executive Officer of Arba Minch General Hospital, has denied this.
Dr. Duma added that the concerns raised by the hospital’s health professionals were resolved through discussions, and emphasized, “No one has been detained,” according to a report presented by BBC Afaan Oromo as cited by Addis Neger Mereja news outlet.
Earlier, Borkena reported a similar case in Agaro General Hospital, where three general practitioners — Dr. Alazar Kebede, Dr. Adamu Damtew, and Dr. Geda Sh. Hussen — were detained after posting photos in support of the protest. Independent verification efforts were unsuccessful.
EHPA has announced that from May 13–17, health centers across Ethiopia will only provide essential emergency services — including adult and pediatric emergencies, medication, labs, ICU, and emergency surgeries. However, it plans a full suspension of services nationwide starting May 18.
This development follows comments from Ethiopia’s Health Minister, Dr. Mekdes Daba, who praised structural reforms and digital health payment initiatives during a high-level policy review on March 7. “However, the current crisis reveals a growing rift between the ministry and frontline healthcare workers,” Dr. Zinabe [name changed for security reasons], a sub-specialist at Dessie Referral Hospital told Borkena.
Medical professionals across Ethiopia are uniting in an unprecedented call for action, demanding urgent government intervention amid worsening conditions and economic hardship.
Earlier in May Borkena reported that spearheaded by the Ethiopian Health Professionals Association (EHPA), healthcare workers staged coordinated pre-strike demonstrations on May 6, with banners reading “Silence is no longer an option!” and “Enough with the burden!” signaling frustration over stagnant wages and unlivable working conditions.
With salaries for doctors hovering around 12,000 to 13,000 Birr ($90–$100 USD) monthly—grossly inadequate given soaring living costs—many describe their situation as unbearable. This discontent is further intensified by a dire shortage of healthcare staff, leaving physicians overwhelmed and healthcare delivery at risk.
The Ministry of Health has acknowledged the protests and stated it is working on solutions. Public Relations and Health Communication Director Dr. Tagene Regasa told local media that the ministry is drafting “short, medium, and long-term plans to address the professionals’ concerns,” including non-salary incentives for healthcare workers. However, many in the medical community remain skeptical, citing years of unfulfilled promises and minimal engagement.
Despite promises from the Ministry of Health to implement reforms, skepticism runs deep after years of unfulfilled commitments. The EHPA maintains that their demands are “legitimate and urgent,” and warns that continued inaction may trigger a nationwide strike.
Voices who spoke to Borkena from health professionals quarter emphasize that this isn’t about extravagance, but “survival and dignity.”
Borkena reached out to the Ministry of Health to obtain its response and stance on the matter. While the Ministry initially asked to schedule a follow-up discussion, repeated attempts by Borkena to engage them were unsuccessful. As the nationwide deadline for a government response approaches, Ethiopia faces the looming threat of a full-scale medical strike, which could plunge the country into a severe public health crisis.
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‘Preemptive Autopsy’ of General Strike by Health Care Professionals [HCP]:
Q-1: Who do public hospitals & clinics serve?
A-1*: The overwhelming majority of uninsured Ethiopians who can’t afford medical services at private hospitals/clinics/labs/etc.
Q-2: Who covered ≥50% of essential expenses for HCP [building/running institutions, health care, tuition (education/training), food, lodging, etc.]? [A-2 → A-1* Above!]
Q-3: Who will a general strike by these HCP affect the most? [A-3 → A-1* Above!]
Q-4: Is the government intentionally underpaying the HCP to provoke such crisis?
A-4: No! Low wage has been an age-old chronic problem for ALL government workers.
Q-5: Is inflation only in Ethiopia?
A-5: Inflation is global! Ethiopia’s is worsened by mischief/conflict/sanction/embargo/etc.
Q-6: Will General Strike by HCP solve the crisis/impasse?
A-6: No! There is no “one-fits-all” quick fix! Ethiopia can’t promise what it can’t fulfill.
Q-7: What brings any permanent solution to Ethiopia’s such chronic low wage problem?
A-7: Collective input & effort by both HCP & Government! Ethiopia’s age-old low wage problem calls for phase-by-phase problem-solving. Meqdes or Abiy is not the cause or enemy here!
The regional power and stable Tigray should take all the necessary measues to defend and protect its national interests. The instability in the neighbouring Ethiopia concerns Tigray and its has a role to stabilize the situation in the south.