"We’re implementing each and every provision from the agreement reached with resident doctors," said the Minister of Health. Łukasz Szumowski at a press conference. The Resident Doctors' Alliance said earlier on Friday that the minister and the government have "broken" the agreement.
Large increase
At a press conference on Friday, minister Szumowski informed about the actions undertaken by the ministry aimed at implementing the points agreed with resident doctors.
Minister mentioned that, on Thursday, the Sejm passed the bill speeding up the increase in funding the public health care, so that, from 2024, no less than 6 percent of GDP will be spent on this goal. Previous plans assumed the same increase but from 2025. "This is a quite large increase and, soon enough, the funding will be huge," said Mr Szumowski.
He also reminded that the new law guarantees higher basic pay for doctors who commit to working two full years in the public health care, within the 5-year period after finishing specialty training.
Salary of specialty doctor working on permanent contract will increase to 6750 zloty, however on one condition, that he or she will be employed by only one employer, in only one hospital (specialty doctor will keep the right to work additionally in clinics, hospices and rehabilitation centres).
He also reminded that the new law abolishes the so-called opt-out clause which allowed doctors to voluntarily work more than 48 hours a week. According to the agreement signed by the minister and the doctors, the opt-out should cease to be in force from 2028.
The minister reassured that that actions have been taken in order to increase the number of medical workers and that there are ongoing talks with representatives of various health care sectors.
Broken promise
On Friday, the Resident Doctors' Alliance wrote on Twitter that minister Szumowski and the government have "broken the agreement with residents".
"Very soon, there will be a wave of protests and strikes in health care. We would like tell the patients that we're sorry. We do not see any other way to fight for normal work condititions in Polish health care," wrote the resident doctors.
Resident doctors went on strike on 2 October 2017 and demanded, among others, a higher pay and increased health care spending. In February they signed an agreement with the Ministry of Health.
Autor: gf / Źródło: TVN24 International, PAP
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