Ethiopian Gynecologist Detained Following Health Worker Strike

July 8, 2025 - 03:55

On the afternoon of June 25, law enforcement in the Amhara region of Ethiopia apprehended Dr. Daniel Fentaneh, a gynecologist and obstetric resident at Bahir Dar University Teaching Hospital. The arrest occurred amid ongoing tensions in the healthcare sector, where health workers have been striking for better working conditions and pay. During the arrest, authorities confiscated Dr. Fentaneh's phone and laptop, raising concerns about the treatment of medical professionals in the region.

The strike by health workers has highlighted significant issues within the healthcare system, including inadequate resources and support for medical staff. Dr. Fentaneh's detention has sparked outrage among his colleagues and the broader medical community, who view it as an attempt to silence dissent and discourage advocacy for improved healthcare conditions. As the situation unfolds, many are calling for his immediate release and for the government to address the underlying issues that have led to the strike. The incident underscores the challenges facing healthcare professionals in conflict-affected areas of Ethiopia.