By Precious D. Freeman
The Assembly of Liberian Health Professionals has condemned the government’s decision to implement a US$50 monthly top-up for health workers, calling it “provocative” and a breach of the Health Sector Pay Grade and Salary Reclassification Policy.
The coalition of health associations has announced plans for a nationwide strike starting December 10, 2024, unless the government takes immediate corrective action.
The Assembly comprises multiple professional bodies, including the Pharmaceutical Association of Liberia, Liberia Nurses Association, Liberia Midwives Association, and Liberia Medical and Dental Association, among others.
The controversy arose after Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine K. Ngafuan revealed during the submission of the Draft 2025 National Budget that health workers, including nurses, midwives, and physician assistants, would receive monthly top-ups ranging from $25 to $50.
The government claims this measure addresses salary disparities in the health sector.
Speaking at a press conference attended by representatives of the various associations, the Chairperson of the Assembly and president of the Liberia National Physician Assistants Association, Theophilus Tamba Fayiah, criticized the top-up plan as a violation of the Pay Grade and Salary Reclassification Policy.
“This is a provocation to address equity and salary disparities in the health sector,” Fayiah said. “People are already saying we are doing the same work but not earning the same money, and then the government introduces this flat-rate policy. This is unfair and undermines the commitment to equitable pay.”
Fayiah reminded the government that the Reclassification Policy was slated for implementation in the 2024 budget but was delayed.
Health professionals had urged the government to include the policy in the 2025 National Budget, expecting it to resolve longstanding salary inequalities among healthcare workers of different categories.
“We worked with the government’s consultant to validate this policy, and the government signed it, committing to uphold it,” Fayiah noted. “Ignoring this agreement and introducing a flat-rate top-up instead is a betrayal of trust.”
The health professionals’ collective warned of a total shutdown of healthcare services if the government fails to address their grievances.
“If no concrete action is taken within the timeline, we, the health workers, will commence a nationwide strike,” Fayiah declared. “This collective action will involve the cessation of all services until the government demonstrates a commitment to addressing our demands.”
He further urged the government to engage with health workers to avert a crisis in the already fragile healthcare sector.
The looming strike poses a serious threat to Liberia’s healthcare system, which has struggled to recover from past crises, including the Ebola epidemic.
Health workers emphasized that their demands are not just about salary adjustments but also about ensuring fair treatment and fostering an environment where all healthcare professionals can effectively contribute to quality service delivery.
As the December 10 deadline approaches, the ball is in the government’s court to address the concerns and prevent a nationwide disruption of critical health services.
