The doctors' strike, which began on Monday, has increased waiting times for patients at Maputo Central Hospital (HCM), according to the health unit's clinical director.

"We have all the emergency rooms working, but with a small number of doctors [...] We've had to tighten up triage so that we don't leave patients in serious situations on the sidelines and the others are told that the process will take as long as it takes, but fortunately they will be seen," explained António Assis.

At issue is the national strike called by the Mozambican Medical Association (AMM) in protest against wage cuts and lack of overtime pay.

At Maputo's Central Hospital, of the universe of around 600 doctors, the strike is being promoted mainly by doctors in specialization, who are the majority in that health unit, according to the clinical director.

The emergency services are among the departments most affected by the strike, although they continue to function as a result of the efforts of the doctors who didn't join the protest, most of whom are seniors, noted António Assis.

The AMM demands that the government implement the agreement reached on the reinstatement of wage cuts caused by the materialization of the new Single Wage Table (TSU) and proceed with the payment of overtime.

"The medical profession has joined the strike in an effusive way, although obviously with a certain degree of sadness, since our job is to save lives," explained Napoleão Viola, spokesman for the AMM, stressing that this is a strike in which the minimum services continue to be provided in health units.

The union estimates that 78% doctors out of a total of 3,000 professionals in the civil service are on strike.

"We had the last negotiation session almost a week ago and to date there has been no consensus," said Napoleão Viola, criticizing an alleged lack of sensitivity on the part of the Mozambican executive with regard to the class.

This is the second doctors' strike in less than a year, following the suspension of another called in December, after no results were achieved in negotiations with the government at the end of last year.

In addition to the doctors, the Association of United and Solidarity Health Professionals of Mozambique also went on strike last month in protest at the application of the TSU, giving the government 60 days to resolve at least part of the professionals' demands.

The implementation of the new civil service pay scale is being strongly contested by various professional classes, especially doctors, judges and teachers. (sapo)