Public sector doctors across Sierra Leone are set to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike starting Wednesday, 23 October, unless the government addresses their longstanding demands regarding fuel allocations.
In a letter dated 3 October and addressed to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, the Sierra Leone Medical and Dental Association issued a 21-working-day strike notice, which expires on Tuesday, 22 October.
According to the association’s Secretary General, Dr. Peter Mac-Jajua, no government representative has engaged with the association since that reminder letter was sent.
He stated that many doctors have not received their fuel allocation for several months, while others have faced delays of up to six months with an ongoing backlog.
Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby acknowledged the fuel issue, saying that the government had provided fuel to all verified doctors for the first and second quarters and was working to finalize the third-quarter distribution this week. He also revealed that efforts to meet with the doctors have been rebuffed, despite multiple requests.
Dr. Demby warned of the severe consequences if the strike proceeds, stating, “Patients will die.”
He emphasized that while the doctors’ demands are “legitimate” and within their rights, the government has done its best given the country’s competing financial priorities.
The doctors are demanding that their weekly fuel entitlement of 45 liters be provided alongside their monthly salaries, which they argue would be “more reliable.”
The government, however, has rejected this proposal, citing concerns over taxation and the broader implications for other public sector workers.
