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3 Strikes and you're...in Africa

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I have almost always began these blog posts with an apology. What is new? It has been a long time, I have been awfully busy. [insert any other plausible reason here]

The truth is life sometimes does not allow for pleasurable pursuits like updating blogs, which I do love to do. I apologize all the same. I am embarrassed to say I have only written here once this year. You hadn't noticed? Oops!

So, I am currently experiencing my third strike by doctors as a doctor ever since I graduated  in 2010. The first two were in Kenya; firstly when I was an intern at a government hospital, the second when I worked at a mission hospital. The present one is happening right now in Zimbabwe. (I work at one of the main referral hospitals in the country) Medical doctors are undergoing industrial action, asking for just about the same things they always ask for - better working conditions, better remuneration and benefits fitting for the irreplaceable professionals of society that we are.

Doctors at provincial and district hospitals yesterday joined in the strike that started a fortnight ago over poor salaries and working conditions, further crippling the country’s health delivery system.

So needless to say, I am becoming a bit of a pro in this strike business. It tears me apart every time. I hate it. I hate that we have been put in this position. The poor bear the brunt of such actions. And there is nothing that can bring life back after the repercussions of these strikes hits.

I already blogged about this click here for The African Doctor  back in 2011 where I addressed the issue of striking Kenyan doctors.

Still sad, still feel helpless. May God help us.

Comments

  1. AnonymousNovember 12, 2014 at 5:24 AM

    Its good to have you back Stee. I hope that strike ends soon and that our governments give doctors and teachers the same priority and importance they give office tea and parliamentarian allowances. - Gitonga

    ReplyDelete

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