Health Workers Protest Draft Legislation

Health care workers went onto a slowdown strike yesterday to protest government's proposed legislation change that foresees a deregulation in their personal rights.

Turkish Physicians' Association (TTB) and Health and Social Workers Union (SES) organized the protests simultaneously as the draft legislation's discussions begin in the parliament.

Vice chair of TTB, Prof. Dr. Sinan Adıyaman said the legislation would enable foreign medical staff to work in Turkey, which would in return open employees' personal rights to concurrence.

Draft legislation presumes longer working hours for radiologists and compulsory liability insurance for doctors. "This neither benefits the health care workers nor the public in general", said Adıyaman.

A commission made up of members of the two organizations met with main opposition People's Republican Party (CHP) responsibles for a reaction to the legislation in the parliament. CHP said they agree with the health care workers on the issue. (KO/EU)