The healthcare system in Cameroon is on the verge of a massive disruption as the Organization Syndicale des Travailleurs de la Santé (OST/Santé) has announced a nationwide strike set to begin on September 28, 2024. Following an earlier strike notice in July, the government has yet to take action on the concerns raised by healthcare workers. As a result, Voluntary, Decision, and Contract workers both technical and administrative in the health sector have been called to stop work as a measure to press for immediate improvements in their working conditions.
The President of OST/Santé emphasized that this strike will continue until their demands are met. In a formal statement on September 12, 2024, he declared,
"We will not back down until the government addresses our demands for better working conditions and adequate compensation for healthcare workers. The negligence shown toward our sector is unacceptable."
7 Key Issues Raised by the Healthcare Workers:
Improvement of Working Conditions: Workers demand an overhaul of their working environments, including better access to social protection and healthcare coverage.
Fair Wages and Benefits: Despite working under challenging conditions, many nurses earn less than 50,000 XAF per month, and doctors earn around 100,000 XAF. OST/Santé is calling for the immediate payment of salary increases and associated benefits.
Stop Disciplinary Transfers: There have been frequent instances where healthcare workers are transferred as a form of punishment, with some being encouraged to resign. OST/Santé demands an immediate stop to these transfers.
Stop Professional Discrimination: Despite the healthcare personnel shortage in hospitals, professional discrimination continues to plague the sector. The union insists that this must stop immediately.
Integration of Qualified Personnel: OST/Santé calls for the full integration of qualified staff, many of whom have worked under contract for over ten years, into the public service. The union emphasizes the principle of "equal work for equal pay."
Stop Unjust Dismissals: Recent incidents, such as the dismissal of staff from the disability center in collaboration with the regional labor delegation, have sparked outrage. OST/Santé demands a stop to these unfair practices.
Stop Government Interference in Union Affairs: The union has also criticized the administration for its undue interference in union operations, calling for this to stop as well.
Planned Strike Timetable:
September 28, 2024: Work stoppage by voluntary workers across hospitals.
September 29, 2024: Contract and decision workers in the healthcare sector will also stop working, affecting key hospital operations.
The union warns that this strike will continue indefinitely until their demands are met and the government takes significant steps to address the systemic issues in the health sector.
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