The task-based doctors of the National Health Service threaten with a "massive strike" if the hourly rates for work are reduced. The warning was given by Nuno Figueiredo e Sousa, president of the Association of Service Provider Doctors, who warned that, even if the reduction is just one cent, the professionals should stop.
The threat comes after the publication of a new ordinance from the Ministry of Health that will define the new amounts to be paid for task-based work. Nuno Figueiredo e Sousa considered that any reduction below current rates would be negative, stating that "going backwards, no."
Hospitals would be the main ones affected by this strike, with emergency rooms being particularly harmed. The situation puts pressure on the functioning of the NHS, which already faces challenges in the area of human resources.
Task-based doctors are professionals who work on a task basis in the Portuguese public health system, and any change in their fees has a direct impact on the availability of professionals to ensure essential services in hospitals.
