Doctors & nurses go on strike

Members of the Union of Physicians of Burundi (SYMEBU) began a week-long strike on 24 November 2008 to protest against administrative delays in addressing their grievances. The doctors and nurses are seeking a new status, which will significantly improve their living conditions and salary. The status was negotiated and signed in 2004, but it has yet to be fully implemented. The health care workers have stated that the strike will continue until the government adequately addresses the issues. Patients have been advised that although skeletal services are still available at medical facilities, the quality of care will be severely limited until the strike is over. The current strike is the third health sector strike since the beginning of 2008.