Central European doctors threaten migration for higher pay

Doctors in four Central European states coordinated a day of demonstrations in Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic last Tuseday, threatening to emigrate if their governments refused demands for a better pay deal.

Many medical professionals from the four countries have already taken the plunge and left for higher-salaried positions over seas, or are commuting to nearby countries on a part-time basis and working for higher wages. The demonstrating doctors are angry that wages in their respective countries are far lower than those in Western Europe.

In Poland, around 10,000 doctors joined the demonstration, with 300 forming the Budapest protest. According to president of the Hungarian Doctor’s Alliance Janos Belteczki, problems faced by medical professionals across the entire region include lack of financing, a high level of migration and poor career development opportunities.

Belteczki added that strike action was the tool of last resort if governments refuse to cooperate. The Hungarian government has pledged a small, gradual wage increase in health sector wages, but hasn’t guaranteed ongoing talks to improve the situation further.

From Bratislava, medical trade union chair Igor Tibensky complained hospitals can’t cover their costs due to low levels of government funding, adding that there’s also a serious staff shortage. Doctors from Slovakia have been replacing Czech colleagues who’ve headed to Western European hospitals, and Czech doctors covered recent Slovakian strike action.

Polish deputy health ministers told the demonstrators an overhaul of the system was being worked on, but trade union officials responded with a warning of mass resignations if the proposed reforms were unsuccessful. At the same time, countries such as Australia are opening their doors to qualified and experienced health professionals.