Police in Sudan clash with doctors pushing for nationwide strike

June 2, 2010 (KHARTOUM) — The Sudanese security forces on Wednesday rounded doctors protesting the arrest of several of their leaders who have spearheaded a call for strike over demand for better pay and working conditions.

Yesterday, authorities detained Ahmed Al-Abwabi and Al-Hadi Bakhit immediately after it was announced that the doctors who joined a committee, formed to press for better wages, will go on strike until their demands are met.

Other committee members were beaten and arrested on Wednesday at Khartoum Teaching Hospital according to multiple sources while police prevented many more doctors from joining a meeting there.

This year Sudanese doctors stepped up their rhetoric against the government claiming they have millions in back wages and also demanded a pay increase as well as improving housing and work environment.

But last March following failed negotiations with health ministry, Sudanese president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir reportedly ordered the ministry of health to fire any doctor part of the strike but it appeared that the decision was retracted.

Bashir yesterday issued a decree ordering a 2,000 pound salary increase and reimbursements under different categories. However some doctors expressed skepticism that Bashir’s directives would be implemented and vowed to continue strike until their leaders and colleagues are released.

(ST)