A two-day strike by doctors in Portugal has garnered substantial support, with around 70% of state health service medics participating. The strike, which began today and will continue until midnight tomorrow, has led to the cancellation of surgeries and consultations across various regions.
Key Takeaways
- High Participation: Approximately 70% of state health service doctors are participating in the strike.
- Union Demands: The National Federation of Doctors (FNAM) is demanding a 35-hour workweek, updated salary scales, integration of internal doctors into the entry-level category, and more vacation days.
- Government Response: The Ministry of Health has postponed further negotiations until 2025 and has not commented on the strike.
- Protest Locations: Demonstrations are taking place in Porto, Coimbra, and Lisbon.
Strike Participation and Impact
The strike has seen a strong adherence rate, with surgeries and consultations being canceled in various regions. Joana Bordalo e Sá, president of FNAM, noted that the overall participation rate is around 70%, although some areas have higher or lower rates of adherence. This significant participation reflects the widespread dissatisfaction among doctors.
Union Demands
FNAM has outlined several key demands:
- Reinstatement of a 35-hour workweek
- Updating of the salary scale
- Integration of internal doctors into the entry-level category of the medical career
- Reinstatement of 25 working days of vacation per year, with an additional five days if taken outside the high season
In addition to the strike, FNAM has announced a refusal to carry out overtime work in primary health care until August 31.
Government’s Stance
The Ministry of Health, under the supervision of Ana Paula Martins, has postponed further negotiations with the union until 2025. Despite being contacted for a comment, the Ministry has not yet responded to the strike or the union’s demands.
Protest Actions
Demonstrations are being held in several key locations:
- Porto: Next to the São João Hospital
- Coimbra: At the Covões General Hospital
- Lisbon: In front of the Santa Maria Hospital
These protests aim to draw attention to the doctors’ grievances and put pressure on the government to address their demands.
