Health workers suspend nationwide strike

Maputo, 1 Apr (AIM) – The Association of United Mozambican Health Professionals (APSUSM) has decided to suspend its nationwide strike after the government scheduled a meeting for next Thursday in order to discuss the matters presented by the health workers.

The strike had been planned to take place as of 31 March, allegedly because the government left the health professionals behind during its programme for its first 100 days in office.

However, according to Anselmo Muchave, APSUSM chairperson, the strike could resume if the organization’s concerns are not met, which include overtime pay and increased wages.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, in Maputo, Muchave said that the health professionals are also demanding better training and accessibility of medicine and food for the patients.

“We have called off the strike that was announced for 31 March. The aim of the postponement is to make room for dialogue, since the government has sent us an invitation dated 3 April. In this context, health professionals are calling for dialogue as a possible solution and a promotion of good understanding for the Mozambican people”, he said.

He explained that health professionals are demanding strong action from the government.

“We’re waiting to hear what the government has in store for the Mozambican people and for health professionals in particular. We want something concrete, for the government to tell us when we’re going to legalize the problem of food in the health units or when we’re going to organize the problem of the shortage of medicines in the health units”, he said.

Muchave also claimed that APSUM members are being harassed for supporting the strike call.
(AIM)
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