By Adama Makasuba
The Association of Gambian nurses and midwives has vented their frustration over low pay as they issued a April 28 ultimatum to government to either meet their demands else they will stage an indefinite sit down strike.
Sanna Biro Darboe, spokesman of the group described the state statement as ‘untimely’ intending to baffle them to believe that the government is doing something with regard to this issue.’
“But we are not moved by this press release that we saw in the media now and that will not stop us from doing whatever action that we want to do on the 29 if the government fails to engage us this month [April]. No amount of threat, no amount of statement or whatever the authorities want (want) can stop us from taking any decision or action come on the 29 of April as early as 8am,”he said
“They (government) realised that we are having our press conference. So that’s why they came up with their press release just to baffle people,” he added.
Meanwhile, the association president, Yusupha Sanyang, said any attempt by the government to shun their demands will result in damage to the nation’s healthcare system.
“If we bite it is going to be detrimental,” he said.
Meanwhile, one of the association members however welcomed the government new announced plan to increase salaries of civil services but insisted that his association will only believe the statement once their demands are met on time.
“If it is in line with what we want we will definitely be happy, but if it is not in line with what we want we will definitely push forward,” he said, casting doubt whether the government statement would cater all their demands.
“We have been suffering for quite a long time and the endurance, we see is that no one is observing our pains and no one is feeling our pain. Of course, I agree to what my counterparts have said because nurses are really the backbone of the health system in the country and wherever you go,” another angry female nurse said.
“Honestly, we are very unsatisfied about the allowances or the salaries of nurses,” she added.