By ALEXANDER GEBREEGZIHER
Ethiopia is witnessing an unprecedented wave of strikes by healthcare professionals, as doctors, nurses, and medical staff across the country demand improved working conditions, fair compensation, and the restoration of services disrupted by years of neglect.
Since early May 2025, thousands of health workers have taken to the streets and social media, voicing their frustrations over low wages, lack of benefits, and poor working conditions.
The Ethiopian Health Professionals Association (EHPA) issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Ministry of Health, demanding urgent reforms.
The ultimatum expired on May 11, leading to widespread protests and strikes in hospitals nationwide.
In the Tigray region, Ayder Referral Hospital in Mekelle has been at the forefront of the unrest.
Since February 20, 2025, health workers have suspended services, including emergency care, citing unpaid salaries, disrupted benefits, lack of overtime payments, and absence of transportation services.
Despite rallies and meetings with university officials, the workers received unsatisfactory responses, prompting them to continue their protest within the hospital compound.
The situation is further exacerbated by a severe shortage of healthcare workers. According to the World Health Organization, Ethiopia has approximately 0.76 physicians per 10,000 people, far below the WHO’s recommended threshold of 1 per 1,000.
This means one doctor may be responsible for over 13,000 patients, a staggering and unsustainable ratio in any healthcare setting.
The Ethiopian government has acknowledged the protests and stated it is working on solutions.
Public Relations and Health Communication Director Dr. Tagene Regasa told local media that the ministry is drafting “short, medium, and long-term plans to address the professionals’ concerns,” including non-salary incentives for healthcare workers. However, many in the medical community remain skeptical, citing years of unfulfilled promises and minimal engagement.
As the strike continues, the health workers remain steadfast in their demands for fair treatment and improved working conditions.
Their actions highlight the urgent need for systemic reforms in Ethiopia’s healthcare sector to ensure that those who dedicate their lives to saving others receive the respect and compensation they deserve.