By George M.O. Williams
Sierra Leone — Medical doctors in Sierra Leone have threatened to go on strike if the government fails to provide their allocated fuel supply for the third quarter, according to the Secretary General of the Sierra Leone Medical and Dental Association (SLMDA).
Dr. Peter Mac-Jajua told Premier News on Tuesday that the doctors had issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Ministry of Health which expired at midnight on Tuesday. The doctors had previously received their fuel allocation for the first and second quarters but have yet receive the supply for the third quarter.
Despite engaging the Ministry of Health on the matter no concrete solution has been reached. Dr. Mac-Jajua emphasized that while the global economic crisis may be affecting fuel availability, it is unjust for medical professionals to be left without the necessary resources for months. He noted that fuel is a part of their entitlements and that the doctors should not have to chase after what is due to them.
The issue of fuel allocation is reportedly linked to a lack of funding within the Ministry of Health, which has hindered its ability to provide fuel allocations consistently.
If the situation remains unresolved, the country’s medical doctors may proceed with industrial action, further straining the nation’s healthcare system