Sudan’s doctors, authorities agree on health care issues

16/10/2016 08:45 KHARTOUM

The Sudanese Central Committee of Doctors reported in a press conference on Friday that the issues agreed on with the authorities will be implemented within a week.
On 6 October, doctors and medical professionals in various parts of Sudan embarked on an open-ended strike, in protest against repeated attacks on members of their profession across the country. They demanded protection while working, a pay rise, and better working conditions. A week later the medical staff of 136 state hospitals had downed tools.
After reaching an agreement with Second Vice-President, Hassabo Abdelrahman and the federal Minister of Health Bahar Abu Garda on Thursday, the Doctors’ Committee called-off the strike.
The agreement includes the preparation of a new law to protect doctors and medical staff against attacks by patients and their relatives, an adjustment in the regulations for training abroad, and the reinstatement of all doctors dismissed during the strike.
It was further agreed that “as a first measure”, the emergency sections of 22 state hospitals in the country will be rebuilt and maintained. The Khartoum Teaching Hospital will be re-opened as well. Critical cases and children under five years will be treated for free.

The Sudanese Central Committee of Doctors reported in a press conference on Friday that the issues agreed on with the authorities will be implemented within a week.

On 6 October, doctors and medical professionals in various parts of Sudan embarked on an open-ended strike, in protest against repeated attacks on members of their profession across the country. They demanded protection while working, a pay rise, and better working conditions. A week later the medical staff of 136 state hospitals had downed tools.

After reaching an agreement with Second Vice-President, Hassabo Abdelrahman and the federal Minister of Health Bahar Abu Garda on Thursday, the Doctors’ Committee called-off the strike.

The agreement includes the preparation of a new law to protect doctors and medical staff against attacks by patients and their relatives, an adjustment in the regulations for training abroad, and the reinstatement of all doctors dismissed during the strike.

It was further agreed that “as a first measure”, the emergency sections of 22 state hospitals in the country will be rebuilt and maintained. The Khartoum Teaching Hospital will be re-opened as well. Critical cases and children under five years will be treated for free.