Healthcare Associations Demand Equal Fuel Allowances Amid Concerns Over Disparities

In a press briefing on November 4, leaders from Sierra Leone’s healthcare associations voiced mounting frustration over the unequal distribution of fuel allowances, which they argue unfairly benefits medical doctors while excluding other healthcare professionals. Represented at the event were the Pharmaceutical Society of Sierra Leone (PSSL), the Sierra Leone Association of Community Health Officers (SLCHO), the Sierra Leone Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (SLAMLS), the Sierra Leone Nurses Association (SLNA), and the Sierra Leone Midwives Association (SLMA), all of whom warned of possible strike action should the government fail to address these disparities.


The core grievance centers on the allocation of fuel allowances—45 liters weekly—provided to medical doctors under a government agreement. Other Grade 9 healthcare professionals, such as pharmacists, nurses, midwives, and laboratory scientists, receive no such benefit, despite their critical roles in the healthcare system. Representatives argued that this inequity contradicts the civil service code, which positions these professionals as equal contributors to healthcare delivery.

The issue has simmered since June 2022, when these associations first raised concerns with the Ministry of Health (MoH). Following threats of strike action in July 2022, a meeting was convened at the Youyi Building; however, the resulting MoU extended allowances exclusively to doctors. More than two years later, with the situation unresolved, the associations appealed to the Parliamentary Health Committee on October 4, 2024, urging it to enforce equitable treatment as promised in the MoU. Despite this appeal, the MoH issued another directive on October 30, 2024, allocating fuel allowances solely to doctors once more.


A spokesperson stressed that healthcare delivery relies on the collaborative work of all professionals, adding, “We cannot run a healthcare system in silos.” The Coalition of Health Professional Associations underscored its commitment to social dialogue but warned that ongoing neglect of these grievances might lead to industrial action.

The coalition has given the MoH a 14-day ultimatum, ending November 18, to rectify the fuel allowance inequities. Should this deadline pass without resolution, the associations plan to meet with members to discuss “the next line of action,” which could disrupt healthcare services nationwide.

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