The nationwide strike by the Ethiopian health professionals has remained unresolved following a failed agreement reached between government officials and board of the Ethiopian health professionals’ movement.
The board in a statement Tuesday said the nationwide strike by the health workers across Ethiopia will persist until demands including for better payment and working conditions are met.
According to the board, latest talks with officials of the ministry of health had ended up with consensus with the board agreeing to announce the end of ongoing strike while the government pledged to release detained colleagues, provide surety, and avoid harassment and fines against any health workers across the country.
The board, however, accused the government of betraying the striking health professionals and kept on detaining and harassing the health workers.
Speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting, expressed disappointment, revealing that government officials have betrayed them, saying they cannot give guarantee on the release of detained colleagues.
“We are very sorry that the advisor to the minister of health betrayed us. It is very disappointing for all health professionals,” said a member of the board on condition anonymity.
The board said it will continue the strike with full force while engaging in advocacy work to gain support for all segments of the society.
Medical professionals in various parts of Ethiopia have been on strike since May 13, 2025, leaving the health sector of the east African country paralyzed.
The health professionals are seeking adjustments in salaries, improved benefits and better working conditions.
The government has admitted that the strike action was causing a crippling situation for hospitals and other medical facilities. The country’s health ministry is engaged in hiring college students in an attempt to substitute striking health professionals.
MG/abj/APA