Medical professionals in Bulgaria are determined to resume their protest actions, as negotiations with the authorities did not lead to the expected results regarding their payment. They describe the current proposals as a "mockery" and categorically reject attempts for partial salary increases.
Next Monday, young doctors will demonstrate in front of the National Assembly building to express their categorical disagreement with the proposed financial parameters. Representatives of the medical community emphasize that the current negotiations do not meet their professional expectations.
Medical student Vasilena Dimitrova highlights critical problems in the collective bargaining system. According to her, the existing mechanism is ineffective and does not guarantee fair compensation. Statistics show that the collective labor agreement has been applied in only 11 state and 17 municipal hospitals, which illustrates systemic shortcomings.
Intern doctor Kalina Bozhilova presents specific figures that demonstrate the gap between medical professionals' expectations and proposed salaries. Doctors insist on a salary reaching 150% of the country's average - around 3,600 leva gross. Currently, hospital associations offer around 1,600 leva, while unions propose around 2,500 leva.
Protesters emphasize that the argument about lack of financial resources is unfounded, pointing out that other economic sectors have received significant increases. "Clearly, healthcare is not a priority for the state," Vasilena Dimitrova states firmly.
Protest leaders are adamant that the demonstration will take place in Sofia regardless of the results of today's health committee parliamentary session. Kalina Bozhilova emphasizes that they have no intention of holding repeated negotiations in September.
The issue of young medical professionals' pay enters the Health Committee's agenda starting today, which further intensifies the tension between doctors and state institutions.