Sudanese medics complain of deteriorating work environment

Staff of the Radiation and Isotopes Centre in Khartoum have reported the spread of infections among nurses. The Sudanese Doctors Central Committee has voiced support for the strike of their colleagues in El Geneina, capital of West Darfur.

In particular nurses are affected by radiation, the staff of the Radiation and Isotopes Centre in Khartoum said in a statement on Thursday.

The medics said they raised a number of demands to the Ministry of Health, the main ones being the dismissal of the new administration and the creation of a safe work environment by periodically measuring the radiation levels in the building.

Other demands include the return of staff members “who were arbitrarily relocated or dismissed” for taking part in protest actions earlier this year, the disbursement of all dues, incentives and arrears, and compensation for injuries sustained in the hospitals.

El Geneina strike

The Sudanese Doctors Central Committee has announced its support for the strike of doctors of El Geneina Teaching Hospital.

In a press statement on Friday, the Committee said it holds the acting governor of West Darfur responsible for the absence of medical services in the hospital.

According to the statement, “administrative irregularities” caused a severe shortage of medical supplies and equipment in the emergency and anaesthesia departments.

After the West Darfur authorities did not respond to the demands raised in a series of vigils and memos, the doctors decided to down their tools on Monday.

Apart from an improved work environment, the striking medics demand the dismissal of the recently appointed director-general of the Ministry of Health. They consider him a symbol of the former regime.

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