Pay promises to doctors not met negotiator

President Ricardo’ Martinelli's promises of a review of salaries for Doctors working for Panama’s health system have not materialized says the Medical Commission leader.

The coordinator of the National Negotiating Medical Commission (Comenenal), Fernando Castaneda, said on Tuesday, May 1,said  health professionals have not come to any agreement with the authorities and still expect a salary adjustment, which was promised two years ago by the President, Ricardo Martinelli. who said that the Government undertook to review the doctors' pay, based on inflation and the high cost of living, but to date has not negotiated anything.

He also asked the director of the Social Security Fund (CSS), Guillermo Sáez-Llorens to show more respect and consult with professionals. The statements came  after the announcement by  Sáez-Llorens  of a staggered salary increase for CSS employees. Those earning less than$799 would get 14%, delivered in two installments. The first increase of 8% would be  in October 2012 and the remaining 6% will in April 2013.

According to Castaneda, the proposed increase will not change anything in the situation of doctors. Sometimes we have met with officials to address these issues and "not landed on anything just lies.