Gambian nurses strike over unpaid allowances

Nurses in The Gambia have started a three-day nationwide strike over non-payment of allowances approved in May. 

The nurses say they will not resume work until the payments are made in full.

The Minister of Health, Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, described the strike as illegal. 

He said the allowances had already been paid.

But the National Association of Gambian Nurses and Midwives disputed this. 

The mayor of the capital Banjul, Rohey Lowe, has backed the strike. 

"The government should give priority to the health sector, especially at this time when we are battling Covid-19," Mr Lowe told the BBC.

The ministry of health has threatened to punish those who refuse to work.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: National Association of Gambia Nurses and Midwives