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May 15, 2025
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Getahun Tsegaye
Staff Reporter
Addis Ababa, May 15, 2025 – The Ethiopian Ministry of Health issued a stern public statement on Wednesday, calling on healthcare professionals to immediately resume their duties and halt all forms of strike-related activity.
The Ministry acknowledged reports that some professionals—particularly from certain teaching health colleges—have been absent from their posts in recent days. However, the statement suggested that many of these absences were based on misinformation. “A number of health professionals have been misled by false information,” the Ministry claimed, adding that “a few others appear to be intentionally causing disruption.”
Officials condemned the walkouts as unethical and unacceptable, warning that such actions not only harm patients and communities, but also violate professional standards. “This is not just a betrayal of the public trust — it is an act devoid of humanity and professional ethics,” the Ministry declared. “It puts the lives of family members, neighbors, and the wider society at risk.”
The statement also emphasized that healthcare is among the critical public sectors where strikes are not legally permissible. “Even if healthcare workers have demands, they are expected to continue their work and present their grievances to the appropriate bodies while on duty,” the Ministry said.
Health professionals were urged to return to their respective institutions and continue serving the public. “Calls have been made for all health workers to resume their posts and fulfill their responsibilities to their communities,” the Ministry added.
In what appears to be an effort to reassure the medical community, the government highlighted ongoing reforms and legislative efforts aimed at long-term solutions. It pointed to the ratification of Proclamation No. 1362/2017, which outlines new standards for healthcare service administration and accountability. “The government remains committed to ensuring the long-term welfare of health professionals through evidence-based policies,” the Ministry said.
Still, the Ministry issued a clear warning: “The government has demonstrated significant patience in addressing this issue. However, any individuals — whether inside or outside health institutions — who incite unrest or cause disruptions will face appropriate legal consequences.”
The Ministry’s response comes in the wake of growing unrest within Ethiopia’s healthcare sector. As previously reported by Borkena, doctors and health workers across the country have launched coordinated pre-strike actions, demanding salary adjustments, improved working conditions, and fair compensation. Demonstrations have been held in hospitals nationwide, including Addis Ababa’s St. Paul’s Medical College, where protest banners read: “Silence is no longer an option!” and “We need urgent solutions!”
Despite growing public and professional pressure, critics say government responses — including recent interviews with Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba — have sidestepped the core issues, especially on salaries. One protester put it bluntly: “We are not asking for luxury — just to live with dignity while serving the public.”
With tensions still high and health professionals voicing frustrations over what they call years of inaction, it remains to be seen whether the government’s latest warnings will de-escalate the crisis — or deepen the standoff.
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