 issued a strong call for immediate government action as healthcare workers across Ethiopia){kind=link}
By: Getahun Tsegaye
Staff Reporter
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia- The Ethiopian Health Professionals Association (EHPA) has issued a strong call for immediate government action as healthcare workers across the country continue a nationwide strike over unresolved grievances.
In a statement released today, the EHPA emphasized that the concerns of health professionals have been raised repeatedly with government officials and relevant institutions, yet no concrete solutions have been provided. The association expressed its support for the ongoing legal and peaceful protests, which it describes as a last resort after prolonged inaction.
“Health professionals have been demanding their rights in a legal and peaceful way,” the EHPA said in its statement, reaffirming its recognition of the legitimacy of the strike. “Due to the lack of resolution, health professionals have initiated a work stoppage, which underscores the urgency of the situation,” it was said.
The EHPA also acknowledged and appreciated the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission’s attempts to mediate dialogue between the government and the protesting health workers. “The association committed to continuing discussions with the commission in hopes of achieving a peaceful and negotiated solution to the crisis,” the statement read.
Among its proposed remedies, the EHPA called for the “immediate and unconditional release of health professionals and staff who are in arbitrary detention due to fabricated criminal charges and unreasonable suspicion.” The association argued that such detentions violate the right to organize and collectively bargain, which is guaranteed under international labor standards set by the International Labour Organization (ILO), to which Ethiopia is a signatory. It also demanded an end to dismissals, targeted recruitment practices against protesting professionals, and all forms of threats and intimidation aimed at health workers.
Additionally, the association proposed the establishment of a joint monitoring committee composed of representatives from professional associations, civil society organizations, and government officials to oversee the implementation of negotiations. It further called on the government to provide firm guarantees that every health worker will be able to demand their rights as protected under international law and the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
The current movement began gaining traction in early April 2025, when health professionals from across Ethiopia launched a coordinated campaign on social media using hashtags like #HealthWorkersMatter and #PayHealthWorkersFairly. The campaign spotlighted long-standing issues including unfair compensation, inadequate health insurance coverage, and poor working conditions. Organizers warned that a national strike would follow if authorities failed to respond.
Despite the increasing momentum of the protests, the government’s response has been limited. The Ministry of Health acknowledged the demands and stated it was working on a strategic plan to address them through short-, medium-, and long-term actions. However, skepticism remains high among the medical community. As one healthcare worker told Borkena, “We have heard promises for years, but they are never fulfilled. We need action, not more talk.”
Reports of state retaliation have also emerged. Borkena reported the arrest of several medical doctors and healthcare providers nationwide, including from Arba Minch, Wolaita Sodao, Dessie, Addis Ababa and several other places nationwide which escalated the strike, drawing condemnation from rights advocates and international observers. The arrests came just days after the EHPA issued an ultimatum demanding the government take immediate steps toward fair compensation and working conditions. Thousands of health professionals in state-run hospitals have since continued to participate in the strike despite growing pressure and intimidation.
The EHPA’s renewed call for dialogue and reform highlights the fragile state of Ethiopia’s healthcare sector. The association warns that unless swift and meaningful actions are taken, the country’s public health system could face severe consequences. “The longstanding questions raised by health professionals should be resolved through discussion and negotiation,” the EHPA concluded.
__
Subscribe : https://borkena.com/subscribe-borkena/
Join our Telegram Channel : t.me/borkena
Like borkena on Facebook
Add your business to Ethiopian Business Listing / Ethiopian Business Directory Business Listing Toronto
Join the conversation. Follow us on X (Formerly Twitter) @zborkena to get the latest Ethiopian News updates regularly. Subscribe to YouTube channel To share information or for submission, send e-mail to info@borkena.com
Stupid Diaspora!
Instead of supporting the Health Professionals back home, they would rather waste their money on hookah and Hennessey. Instead of helping their country or even their community, they would rather identity as Black and African so they can go to an Afrobeats concert.
Have you ever met Ethiopians on U-Street?
#IHatePanAfrica
#IAmNotAfrican
#IAmNotBlack