The Association of United and Solidarity Health Professionals of Mozambique (APSUSM) announced on Monday (19th) the extension of the strike that began on April 17, prolonging the work stoppage for another 30 days. According to a statement from the association, the decision results from the lack of progress in dialogue with the government, particularly regarding the payment of overtime, shift allowances, and other pending demands.
“The strike will be carried out again in phases if the government intends to continue the standoff with the negotiation team,” the APSUSM statement said. The association represents around 65,000 health professionals across the country.
The association denounces that it has been demanding structural improvements in the sector for over three years, including the regular supply of medicines to hospitals—which in many cases are purchased by the patients themselves—the acquisition of hospital beds, the availability of food in inpatient services, and proper equipment for ambulances and staff, including reusable personal protective equipment.
Faced with the lack of response, the health professionals announced the continuation of a single-shift schedule, with daily shifts from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and no services provided on weekends and public holidays.
The government, for its part, has called for dialogue. In statements on May 12, during the celebrations of Nurses’ Day, the President of the Republic, Daniel Chapo, acknowledged the importance of health professionals and assured a commitment to valuing the profession:
“It is our conviction that caring for those who care is an investment in human capital and guarantees the foundation for a healthier, more productive, and prosperous nation.” On the same occasion, the Minister of Health, Ussene Isse, admitted that there are challenges in the sector but highlighted that many problems “have already been overcome” and assured that the government “is open to dialogue.”
“We are seeking consensus within the sector to resolve the issues facing the profession,” he declared.
However, APSUSM maintains that commitments have been systematically postponed and that the government continues to fail to meet basic obligations, such as the payment of overtime and risk allowances, in addition to not properly applying the salary frameworks under the Single Salary Table (TSU).
In recent years, the health sector has been marked by recurring strikes. In addition to APSUSM, the Mozambican Medical Association (AMM) has also called for strikes demanding better working conditions and pay.
The national health system currently comprises 1,778 units across the country, including 107 health posts, 47 district hospitals, 22 rural hospitals, seven provincial hospitals, seven general hospitals, four central hospitals, and three specialized hospitals, according to data from the Ministry of Health.
With the strike extension, the risk of disruptions to essential services and increased pressure on emergency care centers intensifies, at a time when the system already faces structural limitations and shortages of human and material resources.
Source: Diário Económico
