Doctors at Hadassah Medical Center's hospitals at Mount Scopus and Ein Kerem in Jerusalem have launched labor sanctions. Until further notice, they will work on Saturday schedules, providing only urgent medical care. All prescheduled surgical procedures will be postponed.
The representative of Hadassah's private healthcare services told "Globes" that private surgeries will also be postponed.
Hadassah's doctors decided on the industrial action in two emergency meetings today, to protest the decision by Hadassah CEO Avigdor Kaplan to halve employees' salaries. The doctors are also protesting the hospital's recovery plan being drawn up with the Ministry of Finance, which includes cutting back on the doctors' private practices.
Hadassah administrative and support staff workers committee chairman, Amnon Baruchian threatened to join the labor sanctions unless salaries were paid in full.
Israel Medical Association chairman Dr. Leonid Idelman said, "The prime minister should wake up and find a solution. This is not a matter for Finance Ministry clerks. It's time for a supertanker."
Hadassah Medical Center's spokesman said in response, "For over seven months, management has worked day and night to implement the recovery plan and save the hospital. Management has worked with the Israel Medical Association, the nurses union, the hospital's administration and support staff, and the Israeli government.
"Although the Israel Medical Association and the nurses union have worked strenuously during the negotiations, this is not enough for implementing the recovery plan that will keep the medical center's status as a leader in medicine, treatment, and research."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on February 4, 2014
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