Health Workers’ Strike Disrupts Activities at Public Hospitals in Kinshasa

Activities were heavily disrupted on October 15 at several public hospitals in Kinshasa, including the Kinshasa General Reference Hospital, formerly known as Mama Yemo. The health sector’s inter-union organization began the strike after a seven-day notice expired, protesting poor working conditions and the government’s lack of satisfactory responses. Their demands include promotions, placement on the base salary scale, risk allowances and arrears, a pay-scale adjustment promised since October 2023, and the creation of a hospital civil service. Hospitalized patients are already feeling the effects of the work stoppage as strikers await possible talks with the government.