The 48-hour strike by government doctors at public hospitals continues today, Wednesday, following Monday’s deadlock in the meeting between the State Health Services Organisation (SHSO) and the doctors’ unions.
The SHSO has announced that measures have been taken to ensure the treatment of patients in public hospitals continues and that no lives are put at risk.
Yesterday, during a visit to the Ambulance Centre, Health Minister Michalis Damianos once again called on public sector doctors to end the strike and return to the negotiation table. He emphasised that the mediation proposal discussed last Wednesday remains available, aiming for a comprehensive solution to the issue.
Additionally, during a visit to the Lakatamia Emergency Department early Tuesday afternoon, Mr. Damianos stated, “A solution exists, dialogue needs to take place, and good cooperation is essential. We are certainly asking doctors to return to their work because I am confident that a solution to this problem can be found.”
When asked how concerned the Ministry is about a potential indefinite strike, which the doctors have mentioned as a possibility, the Health Minister said, “A strike is always a negative scenario. As I said before, we are calling them to the negotiation table to find a solution with the SHSO. Essentially, my proposal is on the table, and our doors are open because this issue needs to be resolved. Patients must not continue to suffer.”
Speaking yesterday at Nicosia General Hospital, the President of the Pancyprian Union of Government Doctors, Sotiris Koumas, said that “the doctors have been forced to go on strike by the employer’s side, which includes both the Health Minister and the SHSO, to implement what they had been warned about days ago, namely the 48-hour strike in public hospitals.”
The head of the doctors’ branch of PASYDY, Moisis Lambrou, stated that “despite the coordinated efforts against the doctors by many, including media outlets,” the strikers emphasise that “in this fight, what is at stake is the dignity and credibility of all those who participated in these negotiations.”
During Monday’s meeting, the SHSO insisted that “any solution must be comprehensive” and that an agreement must be reached regarding financial incentives for doctors for the period 2023-2027. On their part, the doctors’ unions proposed that the financial amount for the years 2023-2024 be addressed first, assuring that they would promptly proceed with consultations regarding the parameters outlined for 2025-2027.
Also read: Doctors reject OKYPY proposal and announce 48-hour strike
Source: CNA
