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BMC Health Services Research
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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Research

A look back at the strike by Mozambican doctors in 2013: what can we learn?

Authors: Alexandre Lourenço Jaime Manguele, Isabel Craveiro, Mohsin Sidat, Dulnério Barbosa Sengo, António Jorge Rodrigues Cabral, Paulo Ferrinho

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

The occurrence of strikes in the health sector has been an increasing concern around the world, given their negative impact on the provision of services and care to patients. The Mozambican doctors' strike in 2013 2013 is considered by many to be the largest of a kind in the country's history, and marked the changes which are still a matter of debate. The aim of this study is to understand the causes, strategies and perceived impact of this strike from the perspective of the main actors involved, taking a look back at everything that happened, including the backstage and tense moments during the negotiations. These details have been little covered in similar studies and are important for a better understanding and management of this type of movement.

Methods

This is a qualitative study with a phenomelogical approach that consisted of semi-structured interviews with the main players involved in the strike movement, and analysis of documents produced around this movement. Non-probabilistic snowball sampling was used to select participants until data saturation was reached. The interviews were transcribed and imported into Nvivo version 12, and the data was analysed using content analysis to identify themes related to the research questions.

Results

The doctors were demanding better salaries, career prospects and working conditions. Failure to fulfil agreements, threats from the government and a lack of communication are believed to have precipitated the strike. Faced with staff shortages, the government restricted services, prioritised urgent cases, and patients saw services slowed down, their care delayed, a lack of medicines in health units and a loss of confidence in the healthcare system. Although the strike contributed to the approval of the Doctors' Statute, it led to the interruption of postgraduate studies, transfers and suspensions of professionals.

Conclusion

The strike was motivated by aspects associated with salaries and working conditions. Some of the approaches adopted further distanced the parties and delayed consensus. The strike had negative consequences for everyone, especially patients. This study provides important lessons for improving strike prevention and management strategies in the health sector.
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Metadata
Title
A look back at the strike by Mozambican doctors in 2013: what can we learn?
Authors
Alexandre Lourenço Jaime Manguele
Isabel Craveiro
Mohsin Sidat
Dulnério Barbosa Sengo
António Jorge Rodrigues Cabral
Paulo Ferrinho
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-11998-7

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