by InTrieste
In a bold move to voice their dissatisfaction, doctors across Italy are taking part in a nationwide 24-hour strike this Wednesday, December 5th. The protest, organized by prominent trade unions representing hospital doctors and nurses, including Anaao Assomed, Cimo-Fesmed, and Nursing Up, aims to draw attention to grievances related to the government’s 2024 budget bill.
At the heart of the matter are measures impacting the public health sector, notably pension cuts proposed in the budget bill. Trade unions assert that these cuts, ranging from five to 25 percent per year, stand to affect approximately 50,000 medical workers. In a joint statement issued in November, Anaao-Assomed Secretary Pierino Di Silverio and Cimo-Fesmed President Guido Quici criticized the proposed measures as insufficient to address the serious crisis facing the National Health Service (SSN) and the demands of the medical community.
Expressing disappointment, union leaders highlighted the absence of adequate resources for contract renewals, emphasizing that the allocated €2.3 billion for the entire healthcare sector amounted to “crumbs for everyone.”
Under the rallying cry “From heroes to invisible, the government turns its back on doctors,” medical professionals are set to stage a protest on Tuesday at Rome’s central Piazza SS. Apostoli from 11:00 to 13:00. The symbolic demonstration seeks to underscore the perceived neglect and disregard for the contributions of healthcare workers.
During the strike, doctors plan to abandon hospital wards and clinics for the entire day, while ensuring continued service in emergency departments. Diagnostic tests and scheduled hospitalizations will be rescheduled, emphasizing the united front presented by the medical community in their pursuit of fair treatment and resource allocation.
