Listening To The Nation’s Caregivers

As the government ramps up its crackdown on protesting health workers on a litany of charges—including “organizing an illegal strike”, “creating chaos in the country”, “endangering patients’ lives”, and “intimidating” colleagues who “chose to remain at work”—there seems to be no immediate end in sight for a crisis that threatens to do irreparable damage to a health system in peril. Police have arrested dozens of state-employed medical professionals taking part in strikes to demand better pay, access to housing and medical coverage. They were also fired from their jobs by their employers, who are actively recruiting inexperienced personnel in their place. This heavy-handed response reveals a troubling approach to dealing with systemic issues within the health sector. Such measures not only fail to solve the underlying problems, but also risk exacerbating the crisis, ultimately undermining the very goal of building a resilient, effective healthcare system. Punitive actions against healthcare workers are, at best, short-sighted and, at worst, counterproductive, jeopardizing both the wellbeing of the population and the future of Ethiopia’s health sector.

Ethiopia’s healthcare system has long faced significant challenges—resource shortages, infrastructural deficiencies, and workforce gaps among them. Despite efforts to expand access and improve services, health professionals have increasingly voiced their frustrations over inadequate salaries, poor working conditions, and lack of essential supplies. Their demands are not arbitrary; they reflect a dire need for recognition, fair compensation, and a work environment that allows them to fulfill their professional duties diligently. However, instead of addressing these legitimate grievances through dialogue and policy reform, the government has responded with harsh measures—arresting and dismissing those who speak out, and criminalizing their activism. These responses are rooted in a misconception that silencing dissent can maintain order. History though demonstrates otherwise: silencing the voices of professionals frustrated by low pay and the inability to attain a standard of living that is reflective of their invaluable contribution to society, ultimately sabotages the long-term stability and effectiveness of the health system.

Jailing or firing healthcare workers simply does not resolve the fundamental problems they raise. If anything, such actions only serve to deepen the crisis. When doctors, nurses, and other health professionals are imprisoned or dismissed for advocating for better conditions, it sends a chilling message to the entire healthcare sector—speaking out will be punished, not heard. This stifles constructive dialogue, discourages whistleblowing, and fosters a climate of fear rather than progress. It further neglects the simple reality that health professionals are critical agents of societal wellbeing. Their motivation, professionalism, and well-being directly influence the quality of patient care. Suppressing their legitimate demands dismisses their contribution and undermines their morale, leading to higher turnover, burnout, and, ultimately, a deterioration in patient outcomes.

From a broader perspective, punitive measures emphasize repression over reform. They divert attention and resources from the urgent overhaul needed in the health system toward controlling dissent, which is neither sustainable nor wise. Without tackling the root causes—such as underfunding, resource scarcity, and administrative neglect—the cycle of protest, repression, and crisis is likely to continue indefinitely. The futility of jailings and dismissals lies not only in their ineffectiveness, but also in their ethical implications. Respecting the rights of professionals to advocate for better working conditions is a moral obligation, especially in a democratic society that aspires to good governance and social justice. Listening to health workers’ grievances and engaging them in dialogue builds trust and leads to solutions that are more sustainable.

Practically, Ethiopia’s health sector could benefit immensely from policies that prioritize investment in human resources—better pay, training, infrastructure, and supplies. Achieving this requires political will and acknowledgment that the health workforce is a vital national asset, not a threat to be suppressed. Governments that foster open communication and collaborative problem-solving tend to develop more resilient systems capable of withstanding shocks, such as pandemics or emergencies. In addition, international best practices underscore the importance of protecting dissent and encouraging participatory policymaking. Countries that emphasize the welfare of their health professionals often see improved service delivery, higher patient satisfaction, and greater system efficiency.

Overcoming the challenges besetting Ethiopia’s health sector demands a paradigm shift—from repression to reform. The government should initiate meaningful dialogue with healthcare professionals, listening to their concerns and involving them in developing policies that affect their work and wellbeing. This encompasses, among others, increasing health sector budgets, improving working conditions, and establishing transparent mechanisms for grievance redress.  Additionally, fostering a culture of professionalism and respect within health institutions can enhance morale and accountability. Efforts should be made to protect the rights of healthcare workers, ensure their safety, and recognize their contributions publicly.

Incarcerating and firing medical professionals who demand better pay and working conditions are shortsighted strategies that only deepen the crisis within Ethiopia’s health sector. These punitive actions ignore the fundamental fact that healthcare workers are essential partners in nation-building, not enemies to be silenced. Sustainable improvement in Ethiopia’s healthcare system will only come through genuine engagement, increased investment, and policies that respect and empower health professionals. If the government is serious about building a resilient, equitable, and effective health system, it must listen to the nation’s caregivers—before their patience and resilience finally give way to irreversible consequences for public health.