Burundi’s government has jailed doctors for quitting due to low wages, escalating from their demand for higher salaries to accusations of national security threats. At least five doctors are imprisoned, with others facing intimidation. The healthcare crisis is exacerbated by ongoing shortages, as many doctors have already left the country due to poor compensation.

In Burundi, doctors who resigned due to low salaries have faced imprisonment, with at least five detained by the intelligence service since late 2024. The medical professionals demanded a fourfold salary increase, but after the government failed to respond, they resigned from their private practices, although many continued working in public hospitals. Subsequently, security forces accused them of threatening national security, leading to their detention without warrants in intelligence service facilities.

Burundi has long struggled with a shortage of medical personnel, exacerbated by poor pay. As of late 2024, many doctors earn approximately $170 a month, prompting collective action for wage increases. The government’s lack of response to these demands has culminated in severe consequences, including arrests and potential threats to public health, as some health professionals leave or protest.

The arrest of doctors in Burundi underscores the severe issues within the healthcare system, linked directly to inadequate salaries and insufficient government support. The ongoing situation may lead to further departures of healthcare workers, compounding the existing shortages and impacting public health significantly.

Original Source: globalsouthworld.com