Esther Imonmion
Protests continued across Madagascar on Tuesday, a day after President Andry Rajoelina appointed a new prime minister in a bid to quell growing unrest.
In the capital, Antananarivo, the demonstrations spread to the healthcare sector as hundreds of medical students and junior doctors walked out of Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona Hospital — the country’s largest public medical facility — and marched toward the Ministry of Health.
The protest, initially peaceful, turned tense when police blocked the procession a few metres from the ministry. After over an hour of negotiations, security forces used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The striking doctors and medical students are demanding better pay, improved working conditions, and urgent reforms to the public healthcare system.
“We are doing this for the Malagasy people because the quality of care in Madagascar is very poor,” said one protester. “We will not return to work until our demands are met.”
Medical students currently earn around 25 euro cents per hour, while junior doctors are paid roughly €100 a month — equivalent to €1 per hour. They are calling for an increase to €240 per month.
“In terms of equipment and infrastructure, the situation is already so precarious — that’s the only word that can describe it,” said Dr. Santatra Andriamanantsoa. “In some hospitals, doctors see between 50 and 100 patients a day.”
Junior doctors have now announced the suspension of minimum service in public hospitals, further straining the nation’s already fragile healthcare system.
The protests come as President Rajoelina faces mounting pressure from a Gen Z-led youth movement demanding economic reforms and political accountability. On Monday, he appointed a new prime minister from the military in an attempt to ease the crisis.
The president has announced plans to hold a “national dialogue” on Wednesday with various civic and professional groups, following a 48-hour ultimatum issued by protesters to meet their demands or face a nationwide strike.