The health sector in Liberia faced another troubling event on Monday, October 6, 2025, as medical workers neglected their duties to protest for overdue benefits. This time, doctors and nurses at ELWA Hospital in Paynesville staged a protest demanding the immediate payment of long-overdue benefits and arrears allegedly owed to them by the hospital administration. The striking health workers accused the hospital of deducting contributions for the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP) from their salaries but failing to remit these funds. “We’re suffering here,” lamented one protester, calling the situation unfair and disheartening. The workers pointed out that arrears from the COVID-19 response remain unpaid, and persistent salary delays, alongside discrepancies in pay, have exacerbated their financial hardship.
In conversations with reporters, the workers highlighted several issues, including poor working conditions, lack of reliable transportation—such as buses and ambulances—and an overall unsafe environment for both staff and patients. They noted that these challenges undermine the hospital’s ability to provide effective healthcare services. Previous engagements with the hospital management have reportedly not resulted in any improvements, leading to the current protest. “We have been patient for years, but nothing is changing. We can no longer remain silent,” stated one nurse. The demonstration attracted dozens of staff members who gathered peacefully in the hospital compound, holding placards and voicing their frustrations over years of neglect.
Some workers expressed concerns that the ongoing crisis could negatively impact patient care if their grievances are not addressed swiftly. “How do you expect us to give our best when our welfare is ignored?” asked another staff member. Although hospital authorities did not officially comment to the media during the protest, sources within the management indicated that discussions were underway with the Ministry of Health and relevant partners to resolve the situation. The Ministry of Health took notice of the incident, likely prompting a meeting between workers and management. Following this, the protesters agreed to ease their actions but warned they would return if no resolution was found within the specified timeframe.
Meanwhile, patients at the facility had mixed reactions to the demonstration. While some sympathized with the workers’ plight, others expressed concern about potential disruptions to medical services. This protest reflects broader concerns regarding the welfare of health workers in Liberia, many of whom have repeatedly complained about low pay, delays in benefits, and poor working conditions. Observers note that the situation at ELWA Hospital highlights the ongoing struggles within the country’s healthcare sector, which continues to face challenges despite being at the forefront during crises such as the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic.
