Doctors began a strike on 22 September

Burundian doctors began a strike on 22 September 2008 to demand better pay and improved working conditions. The strike is expected to last 48 hours, during which time patients will be unable to receive care at the country's public hospitals; only emergency cases will be tended to. The Burundian government has stated that it will "analyze demands from the doctors," but it is unclear what actions the government intends to take to ensure that the strike ends on 24 September as planned, or if the doctors will continue their strike if their demands are not adequately addressed.