• Health workers associated with La Federacion de Sindicatos de Ramas Medicas de Salud Publica (Fesirmes) medical workers’ union, have called for a 48-hour strike nationwide, including in La Paz on February 21-22.  
• The strike is being called to reject Bill 035, modifying Law 065, which allegedly seeks to amend the current pension pay and also includes a “forced retirement” from the age of 65.
• The demonstrators argue that the proposed bill may lead to the closure of crucial healthcare facilities since most of the senior doctors fall under the retirement age bracket and demand a 100 percent income for retirement. However, the government contends that the bill aims to improve pensions by up to Bs 1,000 (144 USD) and emphasizes that it does not mandate retirement but includes a provision for health assessments for workers over 65. 
• The call for strike has been supported by other unions including Comite Pro Santa Cruz (CPSC, the civic committee of Santa Cruz) and Professors from Federacion Universitaria de Profesiones (FUP).
• In this regard, no associated protests have been announced as of writing.  

1. Based on the mobilizational capabilities of the unions mentioned above, combined with similar strikes held on April 27 and August 15, 2023, the slated labor action is likely to be widely adhered to in La Paz and Santa Cruz, while a partial adherence can be anticipated in Cochabamba.
2. Consequently, significant disruptions to healthcare services remain likely on February 21-22, especially in major urban centers including Santa Cruz and La Paz. This is supported by several hospitals in La Paz and Santa Cruz facing staff shortages during a previous 48-hour nationwide strike on February 7-8. That said, emergency services are expected to operate normally. 
3. Although no protests have been announced as of writing, given the precedent of the February 7-8 associated strike and protest actions, demonstrators are likely to hold spontaneous protests and associated blockades, especially in the vicinity of hospitals in La Paz, Potosi, and Santa Cruz. In such a scenario, the protest turnout is likely to range in the high dozens-to-low hundreds, at each protest location.  
4. Although the likelihood for unrest amid spontaneous protests remains low, should the demonstrators set up blockades, a security presence can be expected to divert traffic and monitor proceedings.

Those operating or residing in Bolivia on February 21-22 are advised to allot for disruptions to medical services due to the slated nationwide strike by healthcare professionals.