Africa-Press – Liberia. The National Health Workers Union of Liberia (NAHWUL) has thrown its full support behind health workers at the Eternal Love Winning Africa (ELWA) Hospital, who on October 6 staged a peaceful protest over what they described as unfair administrative decisions and worsening working conditions at the health facility.
In a strongly worded statement NAHWUL condemned what it termed “unjust decisions and exploitative practices” by the hospital’s management, which it says are threatening the livelihoods of staff and undermining the delivery of quality healthcare to thousands of patients who rely on the institution.
“It is morally unacceptable that healthcare workers, the very backbone of our health system, are subjected to exploitation, poor working conditions, and administrative neglect,” the Union said.
At the heart of the workers’ grievances is the unilateral closure of the Family Medicine Program, the Female Ward, and the Eye and GYN Clinics, a move they say has slashed manpower, reduced patient intake, and compromised the quality of care at the facility.
Perhaps most alarming, according to NAHWUL, is a reported plan by the hospital’s management to downgrade ELWA into a children’s clinic. The Union warned that such a move would have “devastating consequences” for national healthcare delivery, given that ELWA currently provides services to more than 4,500 patients monthly and serves as a crucial support pillar to the national health system.
NAHWUL also flagged concerns over the continued payment of nurses and other professionals below a living wage, describing it as “unacceptable and contrary to decent work standards.”
Adding to the controversy are allegations of donor fund misuse. According to NAHWUL, credible reports indicate that funds provided for the purchase of an ambulance were not used for the intended purpose. The Union is demanding a full-scale investigation and accountability from the hospital’s management.
NAHWUL is demanding the immediate reversal of all negative administrative actions, including the reopening of the closed programs and wards. It is also calling for the reinstatement of 18 Liberian doctors and for genuine dialogue between SIM Liberia, ELWA Management, and the workers under the watch of relevant government authorities.
The Union also wants management to account for the alleged donor fund misuse and remit all deducted NASSCORP contributions to the appropriate accounts without delay.
The Union has called on the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labor, and other relevant stakeholders to intervene urgently and ensure that justice, fairness, and dignity are restored at ELWA Hospital.
“Health workers are not expendable tools. They are essential partners in national development. We will continue to stand with our colleagues wherever injustice, exploitation, and administrative abuse occur,” the Union said.
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