West Darfur doctors strike against attacks

After a visitor attacked a medical director and two doctors in El Geneina hospital in West Darfur, colleagues have started a strike and refused to work on cold cases since Wednesday.

The attacker, a companion of one of the patients, attacked medical director Dr Abdelmajid Adam Azrag and two other doctors this week, and threatened all employees in the hospital. The reasons for the attack are still unclear.

The Sudanese Doctors' Committee said in a press statement that “in response to these repeated repercussions” the doctors in El Geneina decided to enter into a strike on cold cases, starting 3 May.

Yesterday journalist Alaeldin Babikir told Radio Dabanga from the state capital that the striking doctors have issued a memorandum to the Health Minister in which they demand adequate protection for the team as well as basic hospital needs.

The hospital previously witnessed several strikes because of attacks in recent months. The subcommittee of the hospital managed to reach a final agreement with the state authorities that would provide necessary work aids and guards in the hospital.

The hospital in Sirba, a locality in West Darfur, reported last week to be understaffed with only a medical assistant and a nurse for approximately 90 patients daily.