Overwork, stress

200,000 doctors strike against Meloni government

Around 200,000 doctors are striking against the Meloni government on Wednesday (symbolic image).

(Bild: Vasyl/stock.adobe.com)

Around 200,000 doctors in Italy will go on strike on Wednesday. As a result, operations and examinations will be canceled. Only care in intensive care and emergency wards will be maintained, according to the doctors' association Anaao Assomed.

The protest is directed against the measures taken by the government under Meloni in the healthcare sector. The trade unions consider these to be inadequate. The healthcare sector is struggling with a severe staff shortage and the remaining employees are overworked and under stress. The ongoing reduction in state resources is jeopardizing the future of the public healthcare system, the doctors said.

Uniform booking centers planned
For example, the government has passed a decree that obliges regions to set up uniform booking centers where citizens can book appointments for examinations or treatments. Those who work overtime to reduce the waiting list are to receive a 20 percent higher hourly wage. According to Italian media reports, the decree also earmarks 100 million for hospitals that hire specialists to reduce waiting lists.

Examinations can also be carried out at weekends if necessary. The regional governments will then set annual targets for managers and those who fail to meet these can be suspended for up to a year. 

A large demonstration is planned for Wednesday in Rome. A general strike against the planned measures is to follow on November 29. Among others, the school system, public administration, air traffic and local transport companies will take part.

Consumer protection associations warn
The trade unions criticize the fact that citizens are increasingly having to pay for their own healthcare costs. This places a particular burden on low-income Italians. Consumer protection associations warned of the negative consequences of the walkout. 15,000 planned operations and 100,000 examinations will be canceled nationwide on Wednesday.