Doctors in Portugal have initiated a two-day strike demanding better pay and improved working conditions. The strike, which began on Tuesday and will continue until midnight on Wednesday, has garnered significant support, with around 70% of doctors participating.

Key Facts

• High Participation: Approximately 70% of doctors are participating in the strike.
• Duration: The strike lasts for two days, from Tuesday to Wednesday.
• Primary Demands: Better pay, improved working conditions, and reinstatement of the 35-hour workweek.
• Impact: Surgeries and consultations have been canceled across the country.
• Government Response: The Ministry of Health has postponed negotiations until 2025.

Background

Portuguese doctors are among the lowest paid in the European Union, and their working conditions have deteriorated over the last two decades. The National Federation of Doctors (FNAM) called for the strike to address these issues. Past negotiations with the government since 2022 have failed, leading to the current strike.

Demands

The FNAM has outlined several key demands:

• Reinstatement of the standard 35-hour working week.
• Updating the pay scale.
• Inclusion of junior doctors in the entry-level category of the medical profession.
• Restoration of 25 working days of paid holiday per year, with an additional five days if taken outside the high season.

Impact on Healthcare

The strike has led to the cancellation of surgeries and consultations in various parts of the country. Additionally, there is a refusal to work overtime in primary healthcare until August 31. This has exacerbated existing issues in the healthcare system, such as long waiting times in emergency rooms and a shortage of family doctors.

Government’s Stance

The Ministry of Health has been accused of intransigence and inflexibility, as it has postponed negotiations until 2025. This delay has further fueled the doctors’ dissatisfaction and led to the high participation rate in the strike.

Broader Implications

The deteriorating working conditions and low pay have led many doctors to move from the public sector to the private sector or leave the country altogether. This has resulted in a shortage of medical professionals in the public healthcare system, affecting the quality of care for patients.

Conclusion

The doctors’ strike in Portugal highlights significant issues within the country’s healthcare system, including low pay and poor working conditions. With the government postponing negotiations, it remains to be seen how these issues will be resolved and what impact this will have on the future of healthcare in Portugal.