15 Jan 2019 | 12:22 PM UTC
New Zealand: Doctors launch strike in public hospitals January 15
Public hospitals doctors launch a strike from January 15 to denounce poor working conditions and salaries ; medical service disruptions expected
Event
Around 80 percent of junior doctors working at public hospitals throughout New Zealand launched a strike on Tuesday, January 15, to denounce poor working conditions and salary issues. Thousands of scheduled appointments and planned surgeries have already been canceled, while emergency and life-saving services remain operational. Longer-than-normal waiting times are possible in all medical facilities, while non-emergency cases may be turned away. Related demonstrations are possible in the coming days. A similar 48-hour strike is scheduled to take place on January 29-30.
Advice
Individuals present in New Zealand are advised to confirm doctor's appointments, to anticipate longer waiting times in medical facilities for the duration of the strike, and to avoid any potential related protests.