ZAGREB, Feb 13 (Hina) - The Croatian government passed a decision ordering doctors who have been on strike since January 15 back to work.
ZAGREB, Feb 13 (Hina) - The Croatian government passed a decision
ordering doctors who have been on strike since January 15 back to
work. #L#
The decision was adopted at a regular government session on
Thursday.
The Health Ministry proposed the measure due to the fact that the
doctors' refusal to fully provide medical services for four weeks
has threatened the citizens' right to health care because they are
unable to exercise rights regarding primary and additional health
insurance, Health Minister Andro Vlahusic said.
The minister presented data according to which many health
institutions had reduced their scope of services by as much as 30%.
The right to strike is a constitutional right, but even more
important is the right to health and health protection, Vice-
Premier Goran Granic said.
The government voiced readiness to continue negotiating with
representatives of doctors' associations so as to solve problems in
the health system which have accumulated over the past 10-12
years.
Prime Minister Ivica Racan called on doctors' and medical
associations to contribute to that process.
(hina) rml