The Fédération des syndicats de la santé (F2S) has announced a general strike across the national territory for Wednesday, April 22, Thursday, April 23, and Friday, April 24. This action will be conducted without a minimum service as part of a weeks-long effort to pressure authorities to address their demands.
Escalation of Industrial Action
In addition to the upcoming general strike, union members have confirmed that the boycott of supervisions and the retention of information remain in effect. The F2S has warned that they are prepared to close all health structures and halt all vaccination activities.
Union leaders, including Cheikh Seck, have called on the government to find rapid solutions to avoid a “situation of no return,” for which they hold the authorities solely responsible.
Conflicts Over Governance and Staffing
The F2S has specifically criticized the Minister of Public Service, Olivier Boucal. The union claims that instead of engaging in serious discussions, the Minister prefers appearing on radio and television platforms to attempt to convince the public without achieving results.
The union further alleges that the Ministry has become a “laboratory for the creation of bodies” based solely on academic degrees, such as lawyers, economists, and planners. They argue this approach is being used to block state graduates governed by decree 77-887, which establishes the special status of health and social action civil servants.
Systemic Risks and Budgetary Concerns
The union warns that the current “policy of decay” and “chaotic governance based on nepotism” could lead to devastating consequences for the healthcare system. These risks include the potential outbreak of epidemics and the poor management of patients due to a lack of vision.
the F2S asserts that the health policy vision outlined in the “Sénégal 2050 national transformation agenda” does not reflect the actual actions or reality on the ground.
Core Demands of the Health Workers
The union’s grievances include a wide range of professional and financial issues. Key demands include:
- Respect for the social stability pact and agreements signed with the previous regime, as well as agreements from May 10, 2022, and December 29, 2023.
- The generalization of housing allowances.
- The finalization of the reclassification process for technicians, midwives, and nurses, along with better career management.
- Recruitment into the public service and the integration of community and contract personnel.
- The extinction of the state assistant nurse body and their transfer into the state nurse body.
- The completion of the transfer of social aides to the social assistant body and the advancement of sanitation auxiliaries.
Potential Next Steps
If the government does not respond to these demands, the healthcare system could face a total shutdown of facilities. Such a scenario may result in a complete suspension of vaccination programs, which could potentially increase the risk of disease outbreaks.
Depending on the government’s reaction, the F2S may either maintain its current pressure tactics or escalate their plan of action if they perceive a continued “mutism” from the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the general strike scheduled?
The general strike is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, Thursday, April 23, and Friday, April 24, across the entire national territory without a minimum service.
What are the primary risks mentioned by the F2S?
The union warns of devastating situations for the health system, including the risk of triggering epidemics and the poor care of patients due to chaotic governance and a lack of vision.
What is the dispute regarding decree 77-887?
The F2S claims that the Ministry of Public Service is creating fresh roles for those with academic degrees (such as economists and lawyers) to block state graduates who are governed by decree 77-887.
Do you believe that prioritizing academic degrees over state professional diplomas in healthcare impacts the quality of patient care?
