ZAGREB, Feb 4 (Hina) - Despite optimistic announcements that negotiators were close to an agreement, Tuesday's negotiations between the Health Ministry and the Croatian Doctors' Union failed and a doctors' strike continues.
ZAGREB, Feb 4 (Hina) - Despite optimistic announcements that
negotiators were close to an agreement, Tuesday's negotiations
between the Health Ministry and the Croatian Doctors' Union failed
and a doctors' strike continues. #L#
Health Minister Andro Vlahusic said after today's negotiations
with HLS president Ivica Babic that the union lowered its original
demand for a 45 percent increase in doctors' pays to 20 percent.
Vlahusic said this demand was also unacceptable and added the
government's offer remained a ten-percent increase in doctors'
pays.
The Health Ministry said doctors could earn up to 20 percent more
money through a larger scope of their duties in hospitals and from
the income health institutions make through the sale of services on
the market.
Commenting on the HLS announcement on tomorrow's additional
reduction of scope of duties in hospitals, Vlahusic said that
hospital chiefs of staff must not close down polyclinics. They must
remain open in line with contracts between hospitals and the
Croatian Health Insurance Bureau, he said.
According to him, an increasing number of dissatisfied citizens are
calling the ministry because of the doctors' strike.
Today alone two new deaths were reported which citizens believe are
the result of the strike.
HLS president Babic declined to talk to reporters. He only said that
"the day is still long and consultations will continue".
(hina) it sb