Health sector faces possible srike of 30,000

HEALTH services in Panama could be hit with a wlak out of over 30,000 employees next week over what unions allege is governmental breach of agreements.

The national coordinator of health unions, professionals and technicians (Conagreprotsa) reported today that they are carrying out a general meeting to decide whether or not to go on strike.

Álvaro Lozano, vice president of Conagreprotsa, said that the call is due to the breach of agreements by managers of the Ministry of Health and Social Security.

Lozano added that most worrying for the health sector unions is that "there are a number of situations which are at the expense the Panamanian population," including the hiring of non-qualified personnel.

"Unfortunately, the intransigence of the authorities is pushing us to this situation," he reiterated.

The group seeks to "achieve once and for all the stabilization of the health system that has been hampered by the government."

Conagreprotsa brings together 37 health organizations and represents more than 30,000 employees.