Sames strike: the supervisory authority ready to dialogue with trade unionists

The Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene is committed to continuing the dialogue as soon as possible following the 48-hour strike declared on September 8 and 9 by the Autonomous Union of Doctors, Pharmacists and Dental Surgeons of Senegal (Sames). The announcement was made through a press release made public on Tuesday.

In a document published this Tuesday, September 8, 2026, the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene says it is still committed to taking the necessary measures and reaffirms its openness to dialogue as soon as possible.

This follows the declaration of the Autonomous Union of Doctors, Pharmacists and Dentists of Senegal (Sames), declaring 48 hours of strike. In fact, Sames and the ministry had planned to meet around the table in order to examine the different points of the union’s demand platform.

Meeting which, despite seeing the presence of both camps, did not go as far as discussions. This was due to the absence of the minister at the start of the meeting who “could not be present at the opening of the session due to other obligations linked to the exercise of his functions”.

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According to the same press release, he was to join the delegation he had sent around the negotiating table before the end of the technical meeting. Noting that the minister was not present, the Sami delegation withdrew.

In its note, the ministry “regrets that this space for dialogue could not be taken advantage of”. On this, the supervisory authority has “taken the necessary measures to ensure, throughout the territory, the continuity of care and the operation of services in public health structures”.

It also reaffirms its commitment to continuing efforts aimed at improving staff working conditions.

Boubacar DIOP (Intern)