Portugal: Doctors start 72-hour strike May 8-10

Event

Medical unions have called for a 72-hour doctor strike to begin on Tuesday, May 8, and last through Friday, May 10. During the strike, health services will be limited nationwide but hospitals will continue to offer critical care. Longer-than-normal waiting times are possible in all medical facilities; non-emergency cases may be turned away and scheduled appointments may be canceled.

Context

The unions want to reduce supplementary work from 200 to 150 hours a year, a progressive reduction of up to 12 hours a week in emergency work, and a decrease in the number of patients seen by family physicians.

Advice

Individuals in Portugal are advised to avoid all demonstrations, to confirm medical appointments, and to anticipate longer waiting times at medical facilities.