HERAT, Afghanistan — Doctors in Herat have ended a strike that halted services at several health centers, a protest over four months of unpaid salaries. Despite returning to work, medical staff say their wages have not yet been paid.
Sources told Amu that striking doctors were promised that their salaries would be disbursed within three weeks. However, no immediate payments have been issued.
The strike, which began on October 23, affected at least nine health centers across Herat, including Ghoryan District Hospital, Maslakh Community Health Center, Shindand District Hospital, Guzara Hospital, Roushan Health Center, Sang Kotal Health Center, Torghundi Health Center, Haftgala Health Center, and Karukh Clinic. Some government-run clinics reportedly joined the strike in solidarity.
The nonprofit Organization for Promotion and Health Management (OPHM), responsible for funding health worker salaries in Herat’s clinics, has withheld payments for the last four months, according to protesting staff. They allege the delay is due to disputes over additional payments demanded by Taliban authorities.
Founded in 2010, OPHM operates as a nongovernmental organization registered with Afghanistan’s Ministry of Economy. It is also a member of a coalition of health organizations working in Afghanistan’s health sector.
