Getahun Tsegaye
Staff Reporter
ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA — Amid a nationwide healthcare strike, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health claims health facilities remain fully operational, contradicting widespread reports of service disruptions and the detention of medical professionals.
On May 19, Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba stated in a nationally televised interview with the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) that health services were “fully operational.” She said, “Health professionals at all levels are providing uninterrupted service to patients — including in-patient and emergency care,” dismissing reports of widespread suspensions.
“We appreciate all health professionals who are serving the public despite the challenges,” she remarked. She also painted an image of a shift in national health policy, highlighting Ethiopia’s move toward integrating curative services alongside preventive care, calling it a “significant policy transformation.”
In stark contrast to the Minister’s statements, reports from across the country point to serious service interruptions. The Ethiopian Public Health Association (EPHA) confirmed that major institutions including Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Ayder Comprehensive, Yekatit 12, and Asella Referral Hospitals, among many others, have been affected. Emergency departments in several regions have reportedly closed.
EPHA also alleged intimidation, reporting the detention of resident doctors at Gondar Specialized Hospital. “We strongly condemn the unlawful detention of our colleagues,” the association stated. In some areas, such as Dessie, medical workers have reportedly gone into hiding. An anonymous healthcare worker there said, “I’ve locked myself in my house… We are not criminals. We are only asking for fair pay and dignity.” They added, “We have no political agenda.”
Despite growing concerns, the Ministry of Health remains firm. In her EBC interview, Dr. Mekdes accused unspecified individuals of trying to “sabotage” healthcare services and warned that actions would be taken under Proclamation No. 1362/2017. “Legal and ethical actions will be taken,” she warned.
These remarks have further strained relations with healthcare workers. EPHA described the Ministry’s response as “dismissive and inflammatory,” accusing the government of failing to engage meaningfully. “The government displayed blatant arrogance and insulted our intelligence and our profession,” the association said.
Dr. Yonatan Dagnaw, President of the Ethiopian Health Professionals Association (EHPA) after his release from detention, said, “I have been peacefully released. Nothing bad has happened to me. I thank from the bottom of my heart everyone who raised their voice for my release and who stood in solidarity with me.” His statement reflects the growing tension, as calls for better working conditions are increasingly met with punitive responses.
The Ethiopian Health Professionals Association (EHPA) president, Yonatan was arrested by security forces on Sunday [May 11]. Dr. Yonatan was practicing at Bichena Primary Hospital, in the Amhara region of Ethiopia
Dr. Mekdes reiterated that the Ministry is pursuing a “sustainable resolution” through continued dialogue. “Discussions are ongoing at different levels,” she said, noting that senior professionals in some teaching hospitals had stepped in to resume services temporarily.
Nevertheless, critics argue that the government’s actions lack transparency and urgency. On May 18, the opposition party Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (EZEMA) expressed concern over the government’s approach, urging the immediate release of detained health workers, official recognition of their demands, and the formation of a national task force to address systemic healthcare issues.
While EZEMA did not fully endorse the strike due to concerns about patient safety — “The direct victims are citizens in urgent need of care” — it strongly condemned the reported detentions. “Demanding rights legally and peacefully should never lead to detention or shame,” the party stated.
Borkena media contacted healthcare professionals at several facilities, including St. Paul Medical College in Addis Ababa, Dessie Referral Hospital in the Amhara region, and primary healthcare centers in Lemi Kura Sub City. Most sources reported severe disruptions, though some said services such as ICU and childcare remained operational.
“I would say more than 80% of the staff are on full strike and stopped providing services,” said Misgun (name changed for safety reasons), a senior doctor at Dessie Referral Hospital. “Government security forces are still hunting healthcare providers on strike and keep detaining them.”
A university lecturer, speaking anonymously, said his mother was discharged early from St. Paul Medical College out of fear the strike would halt all services. “When my wife and I went to St. Paul Hospital to bring my mother home, the compound seemed to have been completely short of staff,” he said.
Borkena reporters who visited a healthcare center in Lemi Kura Sub City observed mothers arriving for vaccinations and other patients seeking services. However, they were unable to obtain comprehensive information to fully assess the strike’s impact.
As the strike continues, the gap between the Ministry’s official narrative and the lived realities of healthcare workers appears to widen. While authorities insist services are intact and negotiations are ongoing, many professionals and their advocates say they are being met with silence, threats, and repression.
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