Groups of nurses and healthcare staff gathered in protest against poor working conditions and unfulfilled promises in several cities across Iran. These protests took place on Saturday, August 27, in multiple cities, including Mashhad, Shiraz, Bushehr, Yasuj, and Arak. According to videos released from these protests, demonstrators chanted slogans such as 'From Shiraz to Mashhad, strike, strike', 'Nurse, shout out, demand your rights', and 'If one embezzlement is reduced, our rights will be given'. The ILNA news agency quoted nurses at the protests saying, 'Our rights are not being paid, and we do not know where the money is going'. A new wave of protests by nurses began with a gathering of nurses from Shiraz hospitals on August 4 and spread to other cities. The protests are in response to issues such as mandatory overtime, non-implementation of laws, low wages, hard and excessive work, insults, and threats. Among the demands of the protesters are the reform of nursing tariffs, an increase in bonuses and salaries, the elimination of unpaid mandatory overtime, and the provision of humane conditions in workplaces. Prior to this new wave of protests, nurses across Iran had repeatedly gathered, and reports of threats and pressure against them emerged afterward. Mohammad Sharifi-Moqaddam, Secretary-General of the Nurses' House, reported on July 8 to ILNA about the intensification of summons and threats against protesting nurses across the country. He mentioned the summons of about 60 nurses in Kerman and several others in Kermanshah due to their participation in professional gatherings, deeming these actions as the Ministry of Health's policy to counter nurses' demands. The continuation of widespread strikes by nurses in Shiraz amidst threats of summons and dismissal has been noted. In recent months, reports have emerged about the increasing phenomenon of suicide among nurses and healthcare staff in Iran, attributed to 'growing pressure' at work. Some health officials have repeatedly called the migration of nurses and doctors a serious issue and warned about the emptying of hospitals and universities. However, Ramadan Sharif, spokesman for the Revolutionary Guards, described the reports published on this matter as a 'media onslaught against the regime'.
Nurses Protest in Several Cities; 'From Shiraz to Mashhad, Strike'
Nurses across several Iranian cities protested against poor working conditions and unfulfilled promises, demanding better wages and humane work environments. The protests, which began in Shiraz, highlight ongoing issues in the healthcare sector, including mandatory overtime and threats against protesting staff. This situation reflects broader discontent within Iran's healthcare system and raises concerns about the potential for increased emigration of medical professionals.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Nurses and healthcare staff in several Iranian cities protested against poor working conditions and unfulfilled promises, demanding better wages and work environments. The protests began in Shiraz and spread to other cities, with demonstrators facing threats and pressure.
- Protests occurred in cities including Mashhad, Shiraz, Bushehr, Yasuj, and Arak.
- Key issues include mandatory overtime, low wages, and threats against protesters.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran's healthcare system has faced significant challenges, including economic sanctions and internal mismanagement, leading to discontent among healthcare workers.
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 90%