The stoppage of activities by nurses and service agents in the health sector, in demand for the 13th salary, may continue for more days, with the possibility of moving towards a silent strike.

According to the president of the National Association of Nurses of Mozambique (ANEMO), Raul Piloto, who was speaking during the presentation of the balance of the first week of suspension of activities, "so far there has been no pronouncement from the government in relation to the professionals' complaint".

"Civil servants feel forgotten and disregarded, but we have faith that the Council of Ministers will come forward with some information. Our wish is for this situation to be resolved, because in the worst case, we could have a silent strike, which is more dangerous because there will be no source of resolution, which will cause more damage than the one declared," said the representative.

In a NewsThe source added that in the first seven days of the work stoppage, at least 75% professionals joined the initiative and the remaining 25 provided minimal care.

In addition to ANEMO, the interruption to demand the 13th salary also includes the National Teachers' Association (ANAPRO), the United Teachers' Association of Mozambique (APU) and the United Health Professionals of Mozambique (APSUSM), as well as the National Civil Service Union.

A few days ago, the new Minister of Health, Ussene Isse, considered the stoppage of activities in the sector to be unethical, although he recognized the legitimacy of the professionals' demands for payment of the 13th salary.

"The fact that [doctors] are not being paid cannot compromise the relationship between the health professional and the patient. Claiming is legitimate, but stopping work is not an ethical attitude in the health sector," he said during a visit to Lichinga Provincial Hospital in Niassa.

(Photo DR)