Algeria hospitals smell death

A total of 80 percent of health staff in Algeria went on strike on Monday asking for pay raise amid anger of patients who gathered to protest against the strike.

Tens of doctors, nurses and health workers gathered in Mustapha Pacha hospital in Algiers and called for the departure of health minister and pay raise.

“We want a decent salary. Two years passed without an answer. We want our rights,” said their placards.

On the other side, tens of patients gathered. Some of them shouted on the doctors and said “treat us before going on strike.”

Security forces surrounded neighboring places fearing of a possible march. The strikers stayed behind the hospital closed gate while Algiers experienced a traffic jam.

“I have worked as a doctor for 32 years and I still earn 45,000 DZ only. I am ashamed of saying I am a doctor,” a doctor told Echorouk.

All the departments in the hospital were closed and patients queued up begging for their blood test results.

“I came here to take my blood test results. I do not want to be treated in the hospital. I will go to a private clinic,” a patient said.

Nurses and doctors also gathered at Parnet hospital in Algiers. They called for pay raise and appointment of contract workers.

Health staff in Maillot hospital in the capital refused to work and stayed in the hospital yard.