Panama's Doctor
Strike Deepens
Leaders of the 28-day
medical strike in public
hospitals invited the
government to renew
talks, but announced a
worsening of protests.
Health Minister Rosario
Turner stated that the
government is ready to
negotiate a solution to
the conflict, as long as
the physicians lift the
strike and return to
work.
Doctors termed illegal
the salary discount of
the last fortnight,
justifying they assisted
emergencies, surgeries
and in-hospital
patients.
Turner responded that
partial payments for
incomplete services have
been approved, because
outpatient services were
suspended.
Physicians demand so far
a raise of 50 percent,
as well as government
commitment not to
privatize public health
and contributions to
state funds to avoid a
bankruptcy. |
|
