More than 1,000 patients die in Mozambique due to health worker strike

More than 1,000 patients have died in Mozambique as health workers went on strike, local media reported.

“The patients died because of lack of care,” the BBC quotes a union leader Anselmo Muchave, as saying.

The strike by 50,000 union members began three weeks ago after negotiations over working conditions collapsed.

Doctors are not on strike, but Mr Anselmo Muchave said many health facilities did not employ them.

The health ministry has in the past accused the Association of United Health Professionals of Mozambique (APSUSM) of exaggeration.

Nurses, psychologists, drivers and cleaners are among those striking for overtime allowances and better medical equipment.