The Liberia Association of Nurse Anesthetists, has intensified its nationwide strike action.
The nurses have meanwhile, called on members of lawmakers on Capitol Hill to intervene and investigate the “longstanding salary and benefits disparities within the health sector.”
The association has accused the Ministry of Health of repeatedly downplaying its concerns, a situation that reportedly triggered a go-slow action since January 15, 2026.
The leadership of the group argues that nurse anesthetists are currently earning salaries that fall below their professional qualifications, and fail to reflect the critical nature of their work.
According to the association, years of specialized training have not translated into compensation commensurate with their expertise or the risks associated with their duties.
Nurse anesthetists play a central role in surgical and emergency care, often operating in high-risk environments where mistakes can be life-threatening.
The association maintains that this reality has not been adequately factored into government’s current pay structure, leaving its members undervalued and demoralized.
The group has therefore demanded a comprehensive restructuring of salaries and benefits.
They called for compensation to be based on professional merit, qualifications, and the occupational risks attached to their responsibilities.
They also argued that such reforms are critical not only to improve staff welfare, but also to strengthen patient safety and the overall healthcare delivery system.
As the strike continues, the association has appealed directly to lawmakers to take up the matter, probe the Ministry of Health’s handling of their concerns, and push for policy actions that address the demands of nurse anesthetists nationwide.
The anesthetists made these statements on Thursday, February 5, during a mass gathering held on the grounds of the Capitol Building.
Source: Wilmot Konah/DN-News