Senegal’s Ministry of Health and Social Action reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining open dialogue with the Autonomous Union of Doctors, Pharmacists and Dentists of Senegal (SAMES) on Tuesday, as the union initiated a nationwide 48-hour strike on September 8–9.
Despite the labor action, the ministry confirmed that emergency contingency measures have been deployed across public health facilities to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential medical care to the population.
The standoff follows a planned technical meeting on Monday intended to address the union’s grievances regarding working conditions and administrative demands. Although a high-level ministerial delegation—including the Secretary-General and Chief of Staff—was assembled, union representatives withdrew prior to discussions after requesting the immediate presence of Health Minister Ibrahima Sy, who was slated to join the session later due to official commitments.
Expressing regret over the aborted meeting, health authorities reiterated their readiness to reconvene negotiations promptly to address systemic professional concerns while maintaining public health continuity as the primary priority.
TE/Sf/lb/abj/APA