The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has announced that police have arrested medical professionals accused of “inciting unrest on social media and threatening or intimidating colleagues who refused to participate in the strike” in connection with an ongoing health workers’ strike.

According to the website Health Voice Ethiopia, the number of health workers detained in relation to the strike exceeds one hundred, based on a list it has provided. The site also reported that 20 health workers have been released since the strike began. It has published the names of those arrested and released, along with their respective regions and dates of detention.

In a statement issued on May 21, 2025, EHRC confirmed it is closely monitoring the arrests of medical professionals linked to the strike.

Reports indicate that nine individuals, including anatomical pathologist Dr. Mahlet Gush—who was taken from her home by security forces on Monday, May 19, 2025—have been charged with “inciting violence and disorder” and “collaborating with anti-peace forces,” according to Dr. Mahlet’s family.

EHRC has urged authorities to address the ongoing strikes in medical institutions and to seek lasting solutions that prevent potential human rights violations.

The commission stated that it has gathered information from multiple cities, including Bahir Dar, Fche, Goba, Hawassa, Jimma, Agaro, and Arba Minch, in addition to Addis Ababa. It also confirmed discussions with officials from the Ministry of Health and representatives of healthcare professionals regarding the crisis.

Furthermore, EHRC reported that it has spoken with the heads of Tikur Anbessa, St. Paul’s, St. Peter’s, and Menelik II Hospitals in Addis Ababa, where it has observed both partial and full strikes.

The commission also noted troubling findings from its investigation, revealing that patients in some medical facilities—particularly those in intensive care units—are not receiving adequate treatment due to a shortage of doctors. It further reported that patients traveling from “regional Towns” after long appointment waits have faced neglect and mistreatment.

Due to staff shortages, some hospitals have been forced to assign medical professionals to prolonged shifts, leaving patients to endure lengthy waits for treatment.

Warning that the strike could severely impact the broader community, EHRC has urged the government to carefully consider the demands of medical professionals and pursue a transparent, participatory solution. Additionally, the commission has called on medical workers to present their grievances in a way that does not endanger the health and wellbeing of the public.