By: Abass Conteh, Reporter
Citizens are voicing their outrage over the parliament’s recent decision to consider settling backlogs owed to Parliamentarians at a time when the National healthcare sector is ravaged by cronic shortages. This move has raised critical questions about budgetary priorities, particularly in light of ongoing nationwide doctor’s strike.
The backlash coincides with healthcare professionals’ calls for better salaries and improved working conditions, emphasizing the urgent need for reform in their service conditions.
Many Sierra Leoneans have taken to expressing their frustrations. Momoh Kabba Bangura, a bike rider, stated, “For me, I want the government to address the concerns and needs of the doctors rather than those of Parliamentarians because doctors are the most important people in society. Although Parliamentarians sometimes assist with money, they will not be able to save lives. This is why I believe that increasing doctors’ salaries is very important.”
Adamasay Kargbo, a patient relative, pleaded, “We are urging the government to increase the salaries and conditions of service for the doctors. It is the doctors who hold our lives in their hands. If the doctors are happy, they will treat us well, and if they are not, more souls will be lost. We are begging the government to attend to their demands because the doctors depend on their pay to take care of their homes.”
Umu Turay, a trader, echoed this sentiment, saying, “The government needs to increase the pay of the doctors so that they will be happy. Only when their salaries are increased will they be motivated to do their work effectively.”
Sheka Bangura, a coconut seller, added, “It is the doctors’ conditions of service that the government needs to prioritize because they are the ones taking care of patients and saving their lives.”
Finally, Fatu Sanusie Gbla, a petty trader, emphasized, “As for me, it is the doctors’ salaries that should be increased. They are the ones saving lives and providing us with healthcare and medication. If the government does not increase their pay, how can we expect them to come to work and give us proper treatment?”
