SAMES: "The time for promises is over," doctors harden their stance and threaten to take action

A showdown is brewing in the health sector. The Autonomous Union of Doctors, Pharmacists, and Dentists of Senegal (SAMES) is taking a much tougher stance against the government. Meeting on August 15, its National Executive Bureau (BEN) stated that it had observed a situation that had become "unacceptable" and accused the Ministries of Health and Public Service of ignoring its demands.

This time, SAMES is no longer willing to settle for mere promises. The union demands official, precise, and verifiable decisions, accompanied by an implementation schedule. For the BEN, the era of empty commitments is over.

Anger also stems from the working conditions of practitioners. In several regions, including Matam, Tambacounda, Kolda, Saint-Louis, Kédougou and Ziguinchor, the union denounces precarious contracts, promised but never materialized recruitment, assignments without replacements and a chronic lack of staff.

In addition to this, there are delays in the payment of internship bonuses for medical, pharmacy, and dental surgeons in specialization. SAMES also protests against what it presents as attempts to challenge bonuses acquired after long union struggles.

The union's message is now much more aggressive: "The time for promises is over." And behind this statement lies a clearly stated threat. Failing satisfactory responses, the BEN announces it will take action and will unveil its plan of action at a press conference scheduled for September 1, 2026.

SAMES is already calling on its members to remain "steadfast, united, vigilant, and fully mobilized." This mobilization must be conducted within the framework of union discipline, but the union warns that it will leave no room for backsliding on acquired rights and working conditions.