The Mozambican Medical Association (AMM) has filed a precautionary measure due to the government's latest stance on its demands for better working conditions. The association believes that the government's statements are threats.

The document filed with the Administrative Court aims to annul the absences and disciplinary proceedings against the doctors who have been on strike for 23 days. The government believes that the doctors' announced strike is in breach of minimum services.

"We see this as a threat, and as such, we have already filed an injunction with the administrative court about two years ago," said Napoleão Viola, AMM's spokesperson.

They consider the government measures to be illegal and say the matter will be referred to international bodies because they are being marginalized.

This week, the government said it was going to hire around 60 doctors to make up the shortfall in health units, and AMM believes that the government should actually hire all the doctors in the country.

"We have around 450 doctors who are out of work in Mozambique because the government doesn't want to hire them. If it's going to hire 60, we're happy. We'd like them all to be hired. You should hire all the doctors who are available to work," he appealed, quoted by STV on Wednesday.

However, he warns that new hires will not necessarily guarantee quality health services.

"Getting your wallet out on the job market today doesn't mean you know everything. Experience is extremely important. So the government thinks it can send experienced doctors home and hire inexperienced ones. This implies a huge reduction in the quality of the service that should be provided," he noted.

The class has scheduled a march in Maputo city next Saturday.