A renewed wave of industrial action is being threatened by Mozambique’s health professionals, with a nationwide strike expected to begin on Thursday should the Government fail to address unresolved issues.
The announcement was made by the Association of United Mozambican Health Professionals (APSUSM), which has accused state authorities of neglecting critical demands related to wages, working conditions, and access to basic medical supplies. Although an earlier strike, initially set for 31 March, had been postponed to allow for dialogue, the union now claims no meaningful progress has been achieved.
The planned action is set to unfold in stages, with the initial phase involving the suspension of all services outside regular working hours—from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.—as well as a halt to operations during weekends and public holidays. These measures, according to APSUSM chairperson Anselmo Muchave, are intended to apply pressure on the government to fulfil obligations concerning fair compensation, improved staffing levels, and the provision of essential medical equipment and hospital infrastructure. Overtime pay, shift allowances, and legally mandated rest periods have reportedly not been honoured, prompting healthcare workers to withdraw from additional duties.
Muchave further urged staff not to seek alternative solutions to equipment and supply shortages, but instead to wait until adequate provisions are made by authorities. Accusations were levelled at the government for what has been described as a lack of transparency and seriousness in negotiations. He stated that previous administrations had shown greater responsiveness, whereas the current leadership has been criticised for failing to offer credible answers during the ongoing talks. Without swift intervention, significant disruption to Mozambique’s public health services appears increasingly likely.