BRATISLAVA, December 7, (WEBNOVINY) — Prime Minister Iveta Radicova stated on Wednesday that the money exists that will be necessary to increase salaries of doctors as agreed in the memorandum with their trade unions. It was one on four demands on which the protesting doctors conditioned their return to work. However, this money will not come from the state budget but from savings within the health care sector. In 2012, savings from changes to the drugs policy and the reduction of the number of sickbeds in hospitals will secure the necessary amount. In 2013, sources should increase due to the introduction of the central public procurement and the launch of e-Health. “These sources together cover the requirement and the demand on which we have agreed,” stated the prime minister.
In line with the memorandum signed by representatives of the Medical Trade Unions Association (LOZ) and Prime Minister Iveta Radicova on Saturday, as of January 1, 2012 salaries of hospital doctors would come up to 1.05 – 1.6-fold the average wage in the national economy, representing a wage of EUR 807 for non-certified physician and EUR 1,230 for certified doctor. Later on, basic wages would further increase to 1.2- 1.9-fold the average wage as of July 1. As of that date, the salaries would not be lower than EUR 923. The basic wage of a certified physician would reach EUR 1,416. Simultaneously, the sum paid for on duty services at hospitals would not change. As of January 1, 2013, the basic salaries would go up to 1.25- to 2.3-fold the average wage, translating into EUR 961 for non-certified doctor and EUR 1,769 for certified physician. Originally doctors demanded their pays to get to 1.5-3 fold the average wage.
It is not yet clear how the promised pay rise for doctors will be anchored in legislation. The Cabinet was to approve a fast-track legislative procedure for the law on minimum pay entitlement for nurses and midwives. It was believed that it was because the Cabinet wanted to solve the increased pay of doctors via this law. The discussion on this point however was interrupted. Lawmakers should discuss the draft bill in the first reading already at the ongoing parliamentary session.
SITA