DRC doctors' union SYMECO launches nationwide public hospital strike

The Syndicat des médecins du Congo (SYMECO) has declared a general strike affecting all public hospitals across the Democratic Republic of Congo, beginning at 08:00 on 3 July 2026. The union issued the strike order after a pre‑notice submitted on 25 June expired on 1 July without any response from the government, citing a lack of dialogue and demanding improvements to doctors’ working conditions.

Only emergency care will continue under a minimum‑service arrangement; blood banks remain operational, while outpatient consultations, scheduled surgeries and routine meetings are suspended. In the Haut‑Katanga province, a rotating seven‑day schedule has been set, with different hospitals reducing services each day. SYMECO officials, including Secretary‑General Dr Juvénal Muanda and executive secretary Dr Oscar Kyungu, called for a clear governmental signal to resume normal services.