Ethiopia’s health sector faces escalating unrest as public health professionals challenge a government directive ordering an immediate end to ongoing strike actions. On Thursday, the Ethiopian Public Health Association (EPHA) issued a defiant statement, rejecting the Ministry of Health’s (MoH) warning and accusing officials of silencing legitimate grievances.
The Ministry had issued a directive on May 14 calling the strike “unethical” and a “betrayal of public trust,” urging doctors, nurses, and medical residents to return to work immediately. In response, the EPHA denounced the statement as “dismissive” and “arrogant,” saying the government had failed to engage in meaningful dialogue.
“For over 30 days, we have called for constructive and respectful dialogue,” the EPHA said. “Instead, we have been met with silence, threats, and misinformation. This is an insult to our profession.”
The protest movement began in mid-April, sparked by widespread dissatisfaction over poor working conditions, inadequate pay, and safety concerns. This week, the dispute reached a new level after the Ministry claimed the walkouts were driven by misinformation and warned that they endangered public safety.
“This is not only a violation of professional ethics—it risks lives across the country,” the Ministry said.
EPHA rejected these claims, calling them “a gross misrepresentation of reality.” The association said many hospitals were experiencing severe service disruptions, contradicting the Ministry’s assurances that services were operating normally.
“We urge the Ministry to verify facts before misleading the public,” the EPHA said.
The association also reported the detention of several medical professionals in connection with the strike. Citing independent local media outlet Borkena, EPHA said resident doctors at Gondar Specialized Hospital were taken to undisclosed locations by government vehicles on the night of May 15.
“We strongly condemn the unlawful detention of our colleagues,” EPHA said. “Repression will not silence us.”
Healthcare workers at Dessie Referral Hospital have reportedly gone into hiding to avoid arrest. One anonymous staff member told Borkena: “We are not criminals. We are asking for fair pay, better working conditions, and a dignified profession. We have no political agenda.”
The EPHA has warned that if the government does not engage in negotiations, an indefinite nationwide strike will begin on Monday, May 19.
“If the Ministry continues to avoid accountability and relies on coercion, we will have no choice,” the group said. “The healthcare system cannot function without its professionals. The consequences will be irreversible.”
The association laid out three core demands: a transparent and time-bound response to its grievances; the immediate release of detained professionals and an end to harassment; and the establishment of a credible negotiation mechanism.
The Ministry, however, stood firm, vowing to take legal action against anyone inciting unrest or disrupting services. It reiterated its commitment to health sector reform, citing Proclamation No. 1362/2017, which outlines standards for healthcare service delivery.
“The government remains committed to the long-term welfare of healthcare professionals through evidence-based policies,” the Ministry said.
As tensions mount and the deadline for a nationwide strike nears, the government faces a critical test: respond to the demands of its frontline workers, or risk deepening the country’s healthcare crisis.
