EOPYY doctors discuss healthcare reforms with Prime Minister

In spite of the Minister of Health Adonis Georgiadis’ ultimatum on Thursday, when he pleaded the doctors to end their strike or face suspension, the EOPYY doctors defiantly decided to continue their strike over the suspension and dismissal scheme until the 19^th of December.

With the two sides unable to come to an agreement, the nationwide medical association has arranged to meet with the Prime Minister Antonis Samaras today at 10.30am. The EOPYY doctor federation has authorized the presidency to decide on whether the strike should continue after the 19^th of December.

The meeting took place at Maximos Hall, with the participation of Prime Minister Samaras, the Ministry of Health and the nationwide medical association (PIS). Mr. Samaras listened to both sides and urged them to discuss their differences, while clarifying that the reforms will be carried out.

Mr. Georgiadis noted that the discussion was very constructive and that he has been asked to take all necessary steps to ensure that the reforms are carried out in the smoothest way possible. The Health Minister called for the EOPYY doctors to end their strike and attend the negotiations.

PIS president Michalis Vlastarakos estimated that the Prime Minister listened to doctor demands and that he would pass on all information to the striking doctors, in order to begin a constructive and fertile negotiation.

According to the relevant announcement, the medical association is in favor of taking advantage of existing staff and services, in an effort to create a reliable primary healthcare system which will be equally accessible to all citizens. The PIS believes that this can be achieved without dismissals and suspensions.

The doctors have maintained that the Ministry of Health’s reform cannot be dependent on a financial accounting adjustment logic which entails dismissals, the abolition of services and unrealistic mergers.

The doctors in Attica met earlier and decided that the strike should continue and that negotiations must take place during the strike, against the wishes of the Health Minister. The doctors are also in favor of preserving the services and nature of EOPYY, as well as maintaining existing working relation and staff.

Regarding the problems with the Disability Certification Centers that have been affected by the strike (as they are staffed by EOPYY doctors), the doctors have proposed granting a six-month extension to disability benefits and pensions.