A new appeal to public sector doctors to engage in dialogue based on his mediation proposal was made by Health Minister Michalis Damianou during a visit to the Lakatamia Emergency Department on Tuesday midday. The visit was aimed at inspecting the situation amid a 48-hour doctors’ strike that began today.
“There is good management so far, without significant issues,” the Minister told reporters. He acknowledged the contribution of doctors to the health sector, OKYPY, and public hospitals, but emphasised that “today’s strike should have been avoided.” He called on doctors once again to return to the negotiating table to discuss his mediation proposal from last Wednesday, which includes various incentive models for 2025–2027, aiming for a holistic solution to the problem.
“There is a solution, dialogue must happen, and good cooperation is essential. We urge doctors to return to their duties because I am confident a resolution to this problem is possible,” he added.
When asked about doctors’ claims that he is siding with OKYPY, the Minister reiterated that, as he has often stated publicly, “I only take the side of the patients, no one else’s. It is clear that, at this moment, it is the patients who are suffering and will continue to suffer. Our goal is to prevent patients from being inconvenienced, as they themselves have expressed in recent days.”
In response to reports from doctors that during the transfer of patients—categorised as priority 3 cases—to other hospitals by ambulance, necessary measures were not taken, resulting in superficial handling, Damianou stated that the management appears to be effective. “This effective management will continue, and I believe there will be no major problems. Wherever issues arise, additional support will be provided,” he said. He acknowledged that this is a 48-hour strike, stating, “It will never be easy, but we are compelled to manage it.”
When asked how concerned the Ministry is about a potential indefinite strike mentioned by doctors, the Health Minister noted, “A strike is always an undesirable scenario. As I said earlier, we are calling them to the negotiation table to find a solution with OKYPY. Essentially, my proposal is on the table, and our doors are open because this issue needs to be resolved. Patients should not continue to suffer.”
Asked if he had any communication today with private hospitals handling the additional workload due to the strike, Damianou said discussions were held and arrangements made with most private hospitals in all cities. Beds have been freed up, he noted, to accommodate emergency cases. While some have emergency departments and others do not, there are provinces without emergency departments. However, beds are available to ensure proper management because these are the options at hand, he concluded.
Also read: State hospital doctors on 48-hour strike
Source: CNA/RPA/AGK
