Ethiopia: Senior Doctors Report Mounting Pressure As Health Workers’ Strike Enters Third Week – Warn Patient Care At Risk Under Current Conditions

Addis Abeba– Senior doctors working in hospitals across several regions of the country have reported being under “severe work pressure” due to the ongoing nationwide strike by health professionals, warning that “patients are not receiving the necessary services” and that the situation “cannot continue” for more than a week if left unresolved.

The strike, which began on 13 May after the government failed to respond to a 12-point demand, has entered its third week. Striking workers are demanding improved pay, better working conditions, and protection of their rights.

Senior physicians who spoke to Addis Standard on condition of anonymity described increasing workloads and worsening conditions that are putting both patients and staff at risk.

A senior physician at Black Lion Specialized Hospital said he is currently handling a large number of emergency cases alone. “I just finished my night shift,” he explained, adding, “I worked the previous night at a private hospital, and today I’m back here. We are under intense pressure.”

He said being alone in the emergency department has left patients untreated. “I was the only doctor on duty,” he said. “I watched patients suffer–patients who could have recovered if they had received timely attention.”

He warned that the strain is unsustainable. “No one knows how long this can go on,” he said. “But if it continues, we will reach a point where we cannot carry on, and that will put patients in greater danger.”

At Wachemo University Nigist Eleni Mohammed Memorial Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, another senior doctor said that although they are attempting to maintain services, the pressure is mounting. “Doctors at the hospital have joined the strike,” he said. “We are trying to manage the gap, but the conditions are extremely difficult.”

He added, “If there is even a small issue in the emergency department, the outcome could be serious. That’s the only area we are trying to keep going, but medicine is collaborative work–it cannot be done alone.”

He explained, “Having one doctor in the emergency department is not enough. There might be patients who need surgery or intensive care, but all I can do now is schedule appointments.”

The doctor, who also has academic duties, said this dual responsibility is affecting patient care. “As university staff, we are expected to teach and provide clinical services,” he said. “But now, patients are not getting the care they need.”

“This situation is extremely difficult,” he continued. “We all want it to be resolved. Medicine is a team effort. From sanitation staff to specialists, everyone has a role. If even one part is missing, everything is disrupted.”

He added, “There is no such thing as one professional managing while others don’t. We always work with the patient’s best interest in mind. To do that, we need full teams. All health professionals want to return to work–but only once their demands are addressed.”