The Ethiopian Health Professionals Association (EHPA) has confirmed the detention of its President by state security forces earlier this week, prompting widespread concern among civil society groups and health workers nationwide. The EHPA has issued an urgent public statement demanding the immediate and unconditional release of its president, whose identity has not yet been officially disclosed for security reasons.
According to sources within the association, the detention occurred without prior notice, legal justification, or a court warrant, raising alarm bells over a potential state-led crackdown on professional associations seen as critical of government policy.
EHPA also revealed that Yonatan had been summoned on Saturday under the pretext of being “wanted for questioning,” but was instead detained today. “His family informed us that he was taken from home, not merely questioned,” they added.
The association criticized the broader crackdown on professionals, stating: “Is it justifiable to detain people who advocate for solutions through dialogue simply because they are healthcare professionals? No one knows who’s next, and this is our message.”
EHPA insisted the arrest was not related to a personal matter. “The president was not detained for a private issue. He was representing the association. We call on all health professionals to show solidarity with him.”
Reports have also emerged that medical professionals in various regions — including Arbaminch, and Wolaita Sodo — are facing harassment and intimidation. EHPA noted that “health professionals in different areas are reportedly being intimidated.”
In Arbaminch, the association confirmed the arrest of three doctors: Dr. Barnabas Samuel, Dr. Melaku Almaw, and Dr. Habtamu Getachew. Their families say the arrests are related to recent protests and demands by healthcare workers.
However, Dr. Ambasader Duma, the Chief Executive Officer of Arba Minch General Hospital, has denied this.
Dr. Duma added that the concerns raised by the hospital’s health professionals were resolved through discussions, and emphasized, “No one has been detained,” according to a report presented by BBC Afaan Oromo as cited by Addis Neger Mereja news outlet.
Earlier, Borkena reported a similar case in Agaro General Hospital, where three general practitioners — Dr. Alazar Kebede, Dr. Adamu Damtew, and Dr. Geda Sh. Hussen — were detained after posting photos in support of the protest. Independent verification efforts were unsuccessful.
EHPA has announced that from May 13–17, health centers across Ethiopia will only provide essential emergency services — including adult and pediatric emergencies, medication, labs, ICU, and emergency surgeries. However, it plans a full suspension of services nationwide starting May 18.
This development follows comments from Ethiopia’s Health Minister, Dr. Mekdes Daba, who praised structural reforms and digital health payment initiatives during a high-level policy review on March 7. “However, the current crisis reveals a growing rift between the ministry and frontline healthcare workers,” Dr. Zinabe [name changed for security reasons], a sub-specialist at Dessie Referral Hospital told Borkena.
Medical professionals across Ethiopia are uniting in an unprecedented call for action, demanding urgent government intervention amid worsening conditions and economic hardship.
Earlier in May Borkena reported that spearheaded by the Ethiopian Health Professionals Association (EHPA), healthcare workers staged coordinated pre-strike demonstrations on May 6, with banners reading “Silence is no longer an option!” and “Enough with the burden!” signaling frustration over stagnant wages and unlivable working conditions.
