As the strike by private practice doctors that began in early January officially comes to an end, some specialists are announcing a new escalation. The Bloc, which includes surgeons, anesthesiologists/critical care physicians, and obstetrician-gynecologists working in private practice, is calling for an indefinite suspension of night and weekend on-call shifts in private clinics, starting Wednesday.
A showdown with the executive branch over budget reform
In a press release, this coalition of unions denounces the government's lack of response and demands a direct meeting with the Prime Minister, arguing that the measures stemming from the Social Security budget worsen working conditions and access to care. The suspension of on-call services in healthcare facilities should, according to its proponents, increase the pressure on public authorities.
The movement is taking place in an already tense climate, marked by the occasional closure of operating rooms and disruptions in some hospital services. Meanwhile, several hundred specialists are participating in a symbolic demonstration in Brussels to raise awareness of the risk of a mass exodus of doctors abroad, while the government maintains it remains open to dialogue without having, for the time being, entered into negotiations at the highest level.
