A Lebanese Red Cross ambulance in front of the Rafik Hariri hospital. (Credit: Illustration photo Mohammad Yassin/L'Orient Today)
BEIRUT — The staff of Beirut’s Rafik Hariri University Hospital, a governmental hospital, held a sit-in outside the Health Ministry at 10 a.m. Monday, protesting over unpaid wages and calling for improved working conditions. Images broadcast by local media showed several dozen participants, holding placards outside the ministry’s main entrance, which was guarded by Internal Security Forces.
The demonstration was organized by the hospital staff’s committee to demand overdue salaries and to "preserve their dignity." Messages on the placards were addressed to caretaker Health Minister Firas Abiad, including: "Do you know that behind the window of your office is the largest government hospital in Lebanon?" and "Help this hospital, for the sake of poor patients."
This is not the first time hospital employees have demonstrated to highlight their grievances. In late December, they staged a sit-in at the ministry, led by Abiad, to demand payment of outstanding debts owed to the institution.
Last week, staff issued what they described as a "cry of anger" over their living conditions, citing “administrative failure” and accusing authorities of disregarding their demands. Workers said they are still awaiting their December salaries and allowances that have been overdue for more than a year.