New major disputes are opening in the public health sector as the ongoing dialogue, which has been underway for almost two years, concerning the negotiation of collective agreements, now sees the addition of two other significant issues that may indeed lead to new challenges for state hospitals.
One of the two new disputes concerns the renewal of the agreement between unions and the State Health Services Organisation (SHSO) regarding the financial incentives provided to public sector doctors.
It is reminded that these financial incentives were initially granted in 2019 when, with the implementation of the General Health System (GHS), a large number of doctors left the public sector to enter private practice within the system.
It was deemed necessary to curb the trend of exodus that had emerged at that time to ensure the smooth functioning of public hospitals.
However, the incentive scheme currently in effect is approaching its expiration date, and according to information from Phileleftheros, a meeting has already been held between SHSO and doctors’ unions, but it appears that no common ground has been reached for consultation.
It is observed that once again, doctors and the organization interpret the financial capabilities of state hospitals differently.
This particular negotiation is in its very early stages, and therefore neither side seems willing, for now, to publicly comment on the matter.
However, doctors and SHSO will soon be at the same table for consultation, this time concerning the operation of University hospitals and clinics.
In the case of consultation regarding university hospitals, stakeholders not only include unions and SHSO but also other relevant entities, with the dialogue being conducted under the Minister of Health’s auspices.
However, if public sector doctors’ unions are not satisfied with the final proposals put forward by Michalis Damianos, any disruption that arises, if it does, will once again affect public hospitals.
It is important to note that the stance of academic doctors participating in the negotiation will play a decisive role in the outcome of the dialogue. Developments on this matter are expected soon, as the Minister of Health awaited comments from the unions on this specific issue until last week.
Apart from the pending issues concerning doctors, nurses are poised for strong reactions as they have been protesting for about a month over the lack of additional nursing staff.
According to the unions, even nurses who resign or retire have not been replaced by SHSO.
Regarding the never-ending dialogue concerning the negotiation of collective agreements, unions and SHSO continue to consult with each other, but so far, no agreement has been reached.
The technical committee, established to study the details, both financial and otherwise, of the latest proposal by SHSO, convened once again days ago. However, as we are informed, there has been no positive development.
