Health workers in Santa Cruz celebrate this Wednesday, January 15, the second day of a 48-hour strikein protest of the non-compliance in the payment of December salaries to officials of items and contracts, dependent on the Mayor’s Office and the Government. In addition, they demand the return of funds to the Blood Bank and the signing of contracts with the National Health Fund (CNS) in the provinces to guarantee care for workers.
The measure occurs after the 24-hour strike led by the Federation of Unions of Medical Branches of Public Health (Fesirmes) last Monday. This means that, during three consecutive daysthe department’s hospitals and health centers are without regular care.
Demands to the Mayor’s Office and the Government
Fesirmes sent formal notes to Mayor Jhonny Fernández and Governor Mario Aguilera, requesting meetings to address critical health system issues.
In the case of Municipalityresponsible for the first and second level health centers, Fesirmes proposed meeting this Wednesday in his offices, after the mayor did not attend a scheduled appointment on Monday. The demands include:
-Provision of medical supplies and equipment.
-Repair of infrastructure in poor condition.
-Replacement of specialists in hospitals.
-Timely payment of salaries.
-Contingency plans to face emerging diseases.
As for the Governorateresponsible for tertiary hospitals, the union highlighted serious deficiencies:
-Reduction of beds in various hospital services.
-Partial or total closure of services in tertiary hospitals.
-Fewer number of scheduled surgeries.
-Decrease in external consultations in various specialties.
Furthermore, Fesirmes recalled that The Government failed to pay of categories and ranks for health professionals with GAD item, pending since September.
Possible actions
The union warns that, if the authorities do not meet their demands, they will take legal measures to guarantee the necessary improvements in the health system.
Meanwhile, patients face the consequences of the strike, with consultations and surgeries suspended since Monday.
