The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has documented that the administration of Al-Qasr Al-Aini Hospital suspended eight intern doctors from the class of 2019-2023 from working at Cairo University hospitals on Thursday, April 17th, after they posted criticisms on social media regarding the professional and organizational conditions under which they operate.
Working doctors at the hospital confirmed that their colleagues were suspended without an official investigation or prior notification of the reasons for the suspension. Doctors also noted that when some of them tried to inquire about the reasons behind the decision, they were informed that they would be subject to investigation for what the administration considered “inciting other doctors to object,” following their calls to colleagues to express opposition to imposed organizational measures such as the fingerprint attendance system.
Intern doctors in the class of 2019-2023 at Al-Qasr Al-Aini Hospital face difficult working conditions, most notably long waits in front of the fingerprint attendance device, which doctors describe as an “additional burden.” They have also demanded the cancellation of the fingerprint sign-out system, similar to what is practiced at Ain Shams University’s Faculty of Medicine.
Doctors have also expressed objections to the lack of any real training program, as they are not allowed to accompany experienced doctors in the emergency department—whether to observe or participate—depriving them of the opportunity to gain crucial hands-on experience. They pointed out that most of their tasks are limited to purely nursing duties, with no real educational opportunities, in addition to receiving meager salaries of only 2,800 Egyptian pounds per month—a reward that does not match the level of effort and responsibilities placed on their shoulders.
The CFJ condemns these arbitrary measures against the doctors, viewing them as an attempt to suppress freedom of expression and cover up the root problems plaguing Egypt’s healthcare sector.
The CFJ demands the immediate cancellation of the suspension decision and the reinstatement of the suspended doctors to their positions, along with fair compensation for the financial and reputational damages they have suffered.
The CFJ also urges the Ministries of Labor and Health, as well as the Doctors’ Syndicate, to intervene immediately to protect the doctors’ rights and ensure a dignified working environment, emphasizing the importance of putting an end to these unjust policies that negatively impact the future of the medical sector and the quality of healthcare services provided to citizens.
