2,713 doctors have so far submitted their resignations in Slovakia after their wages are not rising enough.
The trade union agreed with the previous government that wages would increase by 9.7 percent next year, but as part of the budget consolidation package, the parliament only voted for a 3 percent increase. This was later raised by the Ministry of Health to 6.4 percent.
The doctors started to submit their resignations, which affects 33-34 hospitals. The president of the medical union, Peter Visolajsky, said that the notice period is two months, and they hope that the government will resolve the situation by then.
Based on the current statements, there is not much chance of this: Health Minister Kamil Sasko said that he is ready to continue negotiations with the union, which would "lead to the improvement of the health care situation through concrete steps", but he cannot increase the wage correction any further. He will also consult with the managers of the hospitals concerned on Wednesday.
The average salary of doctors in Slovakia is now almost 4,900 euros (converted to almost HUF 2 million), which is more than three times the average salary in Slovakia. This ratio is the highest in Slovakia among the countries in the region. The increase proposed by the Ministry of Health would mean an extra 300 euros per month.
Such strong protests are not uncommon in Slovakia: 2,100 doctors submitted their resignations two years ago, and then they agreed on their demands before the termination deadline. This is the agreement that the union now wants to enforce.
MTI
Cover image: MTI
