DRC: Doctors gave the government a deadline, and it paid them the money they owed. The Medical Association of the Democratic Republic of Congo (SYMECO) has given the government of the country a deadline to pay the additional fees owed to its members.

 SYMECO [The Union of Doctors of the Democratic Republic of Congo] declares that the Congolese government must do what it has agreed to and sign with the leadership of this union, and that if it does not do so, it will not be able to do so until January 2, 2025, when if the demands of these health professionals are not met, there will be a resumption of protests and work stoppages throughout the country. 

The additional funds requested include those set by the government to compensate for occupational accidents among doctors, payments to 5,177 doctors who were promoted, and reimbursement of 35% of the travel and accommodation expenses of doctors. 

The union also expressed concern that with 48 hours left until the end of the 2024 fiscal year, this payment has not been made, further causing tension and serious problems in the health sector. 

On this issue, Dr. Juvénal Muanda, the National Executive Secretary of SYMECO, called on all doctors in government institutions that are members of SYMECO to remain vigilant and be ready to resume general strikes starting Thursday, January 2, 2025, if the government does not take action.

This issue takes a long time where health care providers request the government to pay their salary, but the government doesn’t respond, so at this time they are giving a warning and last chance to the government.

Let’s wait for the response of the government if they react positively or negatively to this request.

DRC is one of the countries in Middle East Africa that is struggling with health issues related to war and heavy poverty in the country, which means they need many health care providers to assist in first aid and other support.