The doctors have resumed their labor sanctions, three weeks after holding a two-day strike of the public medical system. Over 1,000 doctors are expected to participate in a demonstration in the Rose Garden next to the Knesset later today.
Public hospitals will operate on Saturday schedules, and all non-essential surgeries will be postponed, and only urgent procedures will be carried out. Outpatient clinics will be closed.
The Ministry of Finance and the Israel Medical Association met last night, after a ten-day break in talks. No progress was made.
The Ministry of Finance improved its offer to the doctors, offering a 20% pay hike, instead of 18%. But the doctors are insisting on a 50% pay hike, and also rejected a Ministry of Finance idea to shorten shifts by specialists. The Medical Association called the idea ridiculous.
The Knesset plenum will hold a special recession meeting to discuss the crisis in the health system today, at the same time that the doctors will be demonstrating outside.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on April 27, 2011
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