Germany: Medical service providers to stage nationwide strike Dec. 27-29

Medical service providers affiliated with the Practice in Need (Praxis in Not) movement plan to strike across Germany Dec. 27-29. The purpose of the work stoppage is to denounce government health policies and officials' purported failure to issue a "Corona bonus" to medical assistants. Virchowbund has notably called on its members to participate in the strike; the organization represents the interests of some 144,000 general practitioners and specialists across the country.

Non-emergency medical service disruptions are likely nationwide. The timing of the strike amid the holiday season means that many medical practices, especially those that are primarily involved in the provision of outpatient care, will probably only offer limited services over the 10-day period from Dec. 23 through Jan. 1. Picketing and other strike-related protest activity is possible at medical establishments over the coming days. Heightened security and localized transport disruptions cannot be ruled out around any demonstrations that materialize.