Slovakia’s Healthcare System in Crisis as Doctors Prepare to Walk Out
Over 3,000 doctors in Slovakia are set to resign on New Year’s Eve amid a boiling crisis over pay, working conditions, and government delays. 🏥 The potential collapse of the healthcare system has sparked alarm, with experts warning of dire consequences for patients and hospitals alike.
Broken Promises Fuel Anger
Doctors accuse the government of failing to uphold a 2022 agreement that promised salary increases, better training, and improved hospital infrastructure. \"They broke the deal. And we want the deal back,\" said Dr. Martin Zakucia of the Doctors' Trade Union. \"The money in healthcare is divided wrongly… We need the state to fund hospitals properly.\" 💸
A System on the Brink
Public hospitals are already grappling with staff shortages, as nearly 20% of new medical graduates leave Slovakia for better opportunities abroad. While nurses recently secured a pay raise, doctors argue the proposed 6.4% increase for them falls short of the 9.7% pledged in 2022. 🩺
Will Compromise Save the Day?
Healthcare economist Martin Smetana urged urgent negotiations: \"This ends when the first patient dies unnecessarily… The government, ministry, and unions must draft a new memorandum.\" Time is ticking—will Slovakia’s leaders act before midnight on December 31? ⏳
