Scores of health workers called on to resume work

Chad's government issued a statement on Wednesday in which it ordered scores of public health workers to resume their functions in hospitals in the capital area N'djamena, humanitarian sources told IRIN on Thursday. About one hundred health professionals were affected by the decision. The decision is in response to the ongoing strike in the health sector. On 15 October, public health workers began to strike to press the government into paying salary arrears and other remunerations owed to them. The protest has been widely observed throughout the country as hospitals and health facilities are operating with reduced staff, with services administering care to patients. Private clinics and facilities remain open, however many patients do not have the money to pay for private consultations. Chad's military hospital, located in N'djamena, has been also caring for non-military patients, the sources said. The government’s decision is based on a presidential decree that says that in case of strike, protest or any work stoppage, the government has the power to call on public servants to resume work. The few centres that are still open are 'swamped", an official of the aid organisation, Secours catholique pour le developpement (SECADEV), told IRIN. He added that SECADEV has deployed some of its personnel to assist a few health centres in the capital in providing first aid and other minimal assistance to patients. The government and the health workers' association have been in negotiations since the beginning of the strike.