Maputo -
Mozambican doctors on Sunday announced they will go on a five day strike over pay and working conditions demands that had not been met by the government.
"As from Monday 7 January, all doctors in Mozambique will paralyse their activities since the government has not responded to their demands concerning salaries, accommodation and doctors' statutes," said Jorge Arroz, head of the country's doctors association.
The group apologised to Mozambicans but said emergency care will be provided.
The ministry of health on Sunday said that no law in Mozambique allowed essential public service workers to go on strike.
Last month, local media reported that doctors were demanding a basic wage of 90,000 meticals ($3,000, 2,300 euros) while the government was offering between 20 000 and 38 000 meticals.
Mozambique has a total of 1 200 doctors in both public and private practice countrywide, a ratio of one doctor is to assist 22 000 Mozambicans. - Sapa-AFP
IOLSA