Leaves Patients in Crisis
ONM-ABO | May 14, 2025
Health professionals across West and East Arsi zones have halted services as of May 13, 2025, leaving many patients in life-threatening conditions due to a lack of access to medical care.
According to reports confirmed by ONM, these professionals were protesting the nonpayment of salaries and the lack of response to their demands. During their peaceful march on May 13, they were met with violence and denial from authorities, who refused to acknowledge or address their grievances.
In areas like Dodola district in West Arsi, patients are especially suffering due to the absence of medical services. The crisis, however, is not limited to Oromia; similar shutdowns are now reported in Amhara, Wolaita, Arba Minch, and the capital Finfinnee (Addis Ababa).
Despite multiple calls from the health professionals, the Prosperity Party (PP) regime has failed to take constructive action. Instead, officials have referred the issue to Dr. Maqdes Dhaba, Head of the Federal Ministry of Health, whose media statements have not led to any concrete solutions.
The regime’s continued repression of professionals and organized demands has now escalated to threats and arrests of striking health workers. This situation reflects a deepening crisis in public health governance and highlights the PP administration’s broader strategy of silencing organized voices through force rather than dialogue.
