Sierra Leone Medical and Dental Association Threatens Sit-Down Strike Over Unpaid Fuel Allowance

The Sierra Leone Medical and Dental Association (MDA) has announced plans to initiate a sit-down strike starting this Wednesday if the Ministry of Health fails to meet their demands for the long-overdue fuel allowance.

The announcement came during a press conference held at Connaught Hospital in Freetown, where the MDA leadership expressed their frustration with the Ministry’s continued delay in providing the allowance, which is crucial for healthcare workers who often rely on personal transportation to attend to emergencies and deliver medical services.

Impact on Healthcare Services If the strike goes ahead, it could severely disrupt healthcare services across the country, particularly in hospitals and clinics that are already grappling with resource shortages. Medical professionals have warned that critical services such as surgeries, emergency care, and outpatient consultations may be significantly affected, potentially endangering lives.

MDA’s Call for Immediate Action Dr. David Bangura, President of the MDA, emphasized the importance of the fuel allowance, explaining that many healthcare workers have been using personal resources to keep services running amidst challenging economic conditions. “We have been patient for far too long. Our doctors and dentists are dedicated to saving lives, but we cannot continue to do so without basic support from the government,” Dr. Bangura stated during the press conference.

Government’s Response Pending So far, the Ministry of Health has yet to issue an official response to the MDA’s demands or provide a timeline for addressing the fuel allowance issue. However, with the strike deadline approaching, the pressure on the government is mounting to avoid a healthcare crisis.

 

 

 

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