OZ SaPA Demands Health Sector Stabilisation Plan, Warns of Impending Collapse

Bratislava, November 7 (TASR) - The nurses and midwives labour union (OZ SaPA) urges the Government to come up with solutions to stop the growing shortages in health personnel and improve its working conditions because if nothing changes, the health sector is headed towards a collapse, OZ SaPA chair Monika Kavecka declared on Thursday. Kavecka also extended her criticism to Health Minister Kamil Sasko (Voice-SD) over his reluctance to engage in a dialogue with representatives of health personnel. She rejected any considerations by politicians to declare a state of emergency in the health care or interfere with the system of remuneration. Kavecka pointed out that according to an analysis conducted in about 60 hospitals in Slovakia, approximately 40 percent of nurses are aged older than 50 and another 15 percent even older than 59. These data underline the gravity of the situation, which is that nurses and midwives posts are critically understaffed. "Based on these data, we urge relevant authorities to stop the growing problem of personnel shortages and focus on improving the working condition with an eye towards attracting young people to the sector. If nothing changes, the health segment is headed towards a personnel collapse. We in OZ SaPA don't find it right that at the time of the growing crisis, Health Minister Kamil Sasko refuses to hold a dialogue with those, who secure daily care of patients," said Kavecka. More than 3,300 doctors in hospitals across Slovakia have already filed notices in a show of unhappiness with the situation prevailing in health care. The doctors are also considering submitting overtime work notices, pointing out that even despite their willingness to talk, they have gone ignored by the Health Ministry, which underestimates the situation. In response to this, the Health Minister invited them to a meeting next week. mf