Doctors strike in Portugal demands reform of public healthcare

On Tuesday, July 23, doctors began protesting in the largest cities of Portugal. The medical professionals announced that they would continue until Thursday, July 25. They are demanding better working conditions and more patient care. They also do not want the government to dismantle the public healthcare system.

Doctors, nurses, and all hospital medical staff are individuals who should be greatly appreciated. After all, they dedicate their time to ensuring that everyone in need of help can always count on it. It is thanks to them that many-hour-long surgeries and procedures can take place, all in the name of health and life. Unfortunately, in many countries, doctors are not treated as well as they should be. This often results in taking to the streets.

Hospital staff in Portugal have had enough. On Tuesday, July 23, they began street protests in the largest cities. Moreover, they did not go to work and decided that during the strikes, they would refrain from conducting most surgeries and procedures. Only those that threaten the life of the patient will be performed. Doctors are demanding better treatment from the government, higher wages, and also better care for people staying in hospitals.

The National Federation of Doctors (FNAM) organized the doctors' protest in Portugal. In a conversation with the media, their representatives stated that on Tuesday, July 23, hundreds of medical professionals nationwide did not go to work. This is because they are demanding better working conditions and higher wages. According to them, the government, headed by Health Minister Ana Paula Martins, is doing everything to ruin the public healthcare system.

"On the first day of the strike, 90 percent of the hospital staff participated," reads the official statement from FNAM. It was also added that on Tuesday, some doctors employed at clinics also refused to perform their professional duties. The doctors' strikes took place in Lisbon, Santa Maria, Porto, and Coimbra. The protesters emphasize that there is a shortage of staff in medical facilities, making it impossible to care for patients at the highest level.

Source: tvn24.pl