Greek Public Hospital Doctors Announce Nationwide 24-Hour Strike for March 18

Strike Action Announced

The National Federation of Public Hospital Doctors of Greece, known by its Greek acronym OENGE, has officially announced a 24-hour nationwide strike scheduled for March 18. This industrial action is intended to bring public attention to the mounting pressures facing the country's healthcare sector.

Core Grievances

The primary drivers behind the strike center on long-standing issues within the public health system. According to statements from the federation, doctors are protesting against:

• Low wages that have failed to keep pace with the cost of living.
• Severe understaffing across public hospitals, which they argue compromises patient safety.
• The overall deterioration of public healthcare infrastructure.

The federation has consistently argued that these conditions are leading to burnout among medical staff and hindering the quality of care provided to patients.

Impact on Healthcare Services

During the 24-hour walkout, public hospitals across Greece are expected to operate with emergency staff only. Patients with non-urgent appointments or elective procedures may face disruptions. OENGE has emphasized that the strike is a necessary measure to force the government to address the systemic problems that have plagued the National Health System (ESY) for years.

Demands for Reform

The doctors are calling for immediate government intervention, including significant investments in the public health sector and a restructuring of salary scales to reflect the demands of the profession. As of now, the government has not issued a formal response to the specific demands of the upcoming strike, leaving the situation in a state of anticipation as the date approaches.