By: James Lahai
Nurse anesthetists across several public health facilities in Liberia have laid down their medical equipment in protest over longstanding concerns regarding salaries and benefits, a move that is beginning to affect surgical and emergency services in parts of the country.
The action, organized by the Association of Nurse Anesthetists of Liberia, follows years of unsuccessful appeals to the government over low wages, delayed payments, and the lack of essential benefits.
According to the association, repeated communications with relevant authorities have produced little or no response, leaving members with no choice but to take collective action.
Speaking to reporters, representatives of the group emphasized the critical role nurse anesthetists play in life-saving procedures, including surgeries, childbirth complications, and emergency interventions.
They noted that despite the high-risk nature of their work, many operate under difficult conditions, with inadequate compensation and limited institutional support.
The association stressed that the protest is not intended to harm patients but aims to draw urgent attention to what they describe as the government’s neglect of their welfare.
They warned that if their concerns remain unaddressed, the action could be prolonged, potentially disrupting essential health services further.
Hospital administrators, however, acknowledged that the strike could place additional strain on already overstretched public health facilities.
