Al-Makassed Hospital Employees Protest for Delayed Salaries
Employees of Al-Makassed Hospital in Jerusalem staged a protest demanding the payment of their delayed salaries, which have accumulated over the past six months. The hospital administration has attributed the financial crisis to ongoing economic challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent conflict in Gaza.
Samir Al-Qudomi, head of the Al-Maqasid Charitable Islamic Society’s workers and employees union, emphasized the dire situation, stating that the financial difficulties have severely impacted employees' ability to meet their basic needs and fulfill their responsibilities at work. He called on Palestinian Authority officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas, to intervene urgently to support the hospital, which he described as a vital institution in Jerusalem.
Muhammad Shaker, Deputy Secretary of the Al-Maqasid Hospital Workers Union, indicated that the employees are not looking to strike but felt compelled to protest due to the lack of salary payments for 50 days. The hospital has been struggling to maintain operations as it relies heavily on financial transfers from the Palestinian Authority, which itself is facing significant financial strain.
Dr. Adnan Farhoud, Deputy Director General of the hospital, acknowledged the employees' right to receive their salaries and explained that the situation has worsened since the outbreak of the war in Gaza in October 2023. He noted that the hospital's financial model, which depended on patient transfers from the Authority, has been disrupted, leading to a critical funding shortfall. The administration is actively seeking solutions to address the financial crisis and ensure that employees receive their due payments.
