Approximately 91 nurse anesthetists across Liberia have announced an indefinite “go-slow” strike action starting Thursday, 15 January 2026.
The move comes in demand of a salary increase.
Mehnpaine Saye Dolo, President of the Nurse Anesthetists Association of Liberia, confirmed the plan.
He said the action will continue until the government addresses their grievances.
Nurse anesthetists currently earn a base salary of US$600 per month.
After taxes, loan deductions and other withholdings, take-home pay often falls to around US$400.
The association demands a rise to at least US$1,000 per month.
They say this would align closer to regional standards in West Africa.
Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia, monitor vital signs during operations and manage post-surgical recovery.
They are essential for every major surgery in the country.
With only 91 serving all 15 counties, many concentrated in facilities like Jackson F. Doe Memorial Hospital in Nimba, Phebe Hospital and Redemption Hospital in Monrovia.
The slowdown threatens to halt non-emergency operations nationwide.
Elective procedures, C-sections, trauma surgeries and routine operations could stop.
The Ministry of Health has not yet issued a public response.
Sources say emergency meetings are underway.
The action highlights ongoing low pay for Liberia’s frontline health workers.
A 2024 Ministry of Health report noted nurse anesthetists earn 40-50 % less than counterparts in neighbouring countries like Ghana or Sierra Leone.
This contributes to shortages and brain drain.
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