Ethiopian Healthcare Professionals Begin Indefinite Strike Amid Crisis; Opposition Calls for Resolution

Getahun Tsegaye
Staff Reporter 

ADDIS ABABA —  Healthcare professionals across Ethiopia have commenced an indefinite nationwide strike, citing long-standing grievances related to salary, working conditions, safety, and professional dignity. This action follows a 30-day pre-strike notice issued in April, signaling an escalation unless meaningful negotiations with the government were initiated.

“This is about survival,” declared the Ethiopian Public Health Association (EPHA). “The healthcare system cannot function without its professionals. The consequences of negligence will be irreversible.”

The Ministry of Health’s response to the initial notice drew sharp criticism from EPHA, which described it as dismissive and inflammatory. “The government displayed blatant arrogance and insulted our intelligence and our profession,” the association stated.

On May 14, the Ministry condemned the impending strike as “unethical” and “a betrayal of public trust,” asserting that hospitals remained fully operational. However, EPHA disputed this claim, reporting widespread disruption due to significant staff shortages. Tensions further escalated following reports that several resident doctors from Gondar Specialized Hospital were allegedly detained.

“We strongly condemn the unlawful detention of our colleagues,” EPHA asserted. “Intimidation will not silence us.” Adding to the climate of fear, medical staff in regions such as Dessie Referral Hospital reportedly went into hiding. “I’ve locked myself in my house,” an anonymous healthcare worker conveyed. “We are not criminals. We are only asking for fair pay and dignity. We have no political agenda.”

EPHA has outlined three demands: a time-bound and transparent response to their grievances, the immediate release of all detained medical professionals, and the establishment of a credible platform for negotiation.

In contrast to the government’s stance, the opposition party Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (EZEMA) voiced its concern regarding the escalating crisis on May 18. “We are concerned that the situation is reaching a level where great caution is needed to avoid national chaos,”  EZEMA stated. 

While acknowledging the legitimacy of the healthcare workers’ demands, the party further criticized the government’s inaction and what it described as vague promises,instead of providing positive responses, the government has largely ignored the issues.  

The party also condemned the reported detentions, stating, “Demanding rights legally and peacefully should never lead to detention or shame.” However, EZEMA stopped short of explicitly endorsing the strike, cautioning that it would negatively impact patients, stating, “The direct victims are citizens in urgent need of care.”

To resolve the crisis, EZEMA proposed the immediate release of detained professionals, a public acknowledgment of the healthcare workers’ grievances by the government, and the creation of a national task force to develop actionable solutions and provide regular updates. The opposition party urged healthcare workers to reconsider the strike and participate in dialogue.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has maintained a firm stance, warning of legal consequences under Proclamation No. 1362/2017 for those who disrupt healthcare services. “The government remains committed to ensuring the long-term welfare of health professionals through evidence-based policies,” the Ministry stated.

Despite these assurances, reports from across Ethiopia indicate significant disruptions to healthcare services. EPHA claimed that patients at Tikur Anbessa Hospital were left without care. It also reported widespread participation in the strike, including full participation by staff at major medical facilities such as Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ekatit 12 Hospital, Abebech Gobena MCH, and Asella Teaching and Referral Hospital. Disturbingly, emergency services have reportedly been suspended in several regions.

Adding to the growing chorus of support for the striking professionals, the College of Health and Medical Sciences at Haramaya University issued a statement expressing solidarity. The institution described the healthcare workers’ action as “heroic” and “a movement to reclaim the soul of healthcare,” powerfully stating, “Striking is not a choice — it is a final stand. Fear will not hold us back forever.”

The Ministry of Health or the government had not issued any statement at the time of this article’s publication.

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