Sasko Ready to Adopt Measures to Improve Working Conditions for Nurses

Bratislava, November 7 (TASR) - Health Minister Kamil Sasko (Voice-SD) is prepared to adopt additional measures to help improve the working conditions of nurses, but in order for that to happen, he needs their cooperation instead of confrontation, TASR was told by the Health Ministry press department on Thursday. Sasko said this in response to a press conference held by the nurse and midwives labour union (OZ SaPA), in which OZ SaPA had urged the government to come up with a clear plan of how to stabilise the health personnel shortages. "I hold your difficult work in enormous esteem and I've been saying that ever since I took up my post. This is also shown by my specific steps, by virtue of which your salaries will see a 9.7-percent growth next year. And I'll be more than happy to add more measures, so as to make your work better and happier," said the minister. "But in order for that to happen, I need your cooperation and not confrontation." Sasko rejected claims of OZ SaPA chair Monika Kavecka that he has refused to meet with the unionists. "That's a lie. But as the Health Minister, I'd like to point out that it is my duty to hold talks with all representatives of the sector, not just representatives of the unions. I received Ms. Kavecka at the Health Ministry, whereas representatives of the Doctors' Labour Union (LOZ) were the first I met with and repeatedly. The next meeting is slated for as early as next week," stated Sasko, adding that he respects the unionists as partners in the dialogue. mf/mcs