Nicaragua: IMF Has Last Word
The five-month protest by Nicaraguan doctors urging for a pay raise continues in the absence of an agreement with the authorities.

Medical Federation Leader Elio Artola blamed the failure on President Enrique Bolanos´ attitude, but talks will continue Monday in demand for an additional 13 percent raise.

Artola says the government refuses to go beyond 30 percent given a few days back -16.75 percent added to the first 13.25 grant to the Federation of Health Workers (FETSALUD).

The doctors make 200 to 500 dollar monthly salaries and they consider themselves the worst paid in the region.

After the agreement with the FETSALUD President, Bolanos refused to raise salaries due to commitments with the IMF.

The protest affects 32 public hospitals and 3,000 medical staff members from the Medical Federation are only assisting emergencies.