Doctors interpret Fernando Araujo’s statements as an acknowledgment of the seriousness of the situation on social networks

The Independent Union of Doctors (IM) regards the appeal of the executive director of the SNS to doctors as recognition of the seriousness of the situation and emphasizes that “it is for ethical reasons” that the doctors he represents set an example.

“For our part, we have full availability [para negociar]In fact, often even with some misunderstanding on the part of our colleagues, who are very unhappy and think that there should be even more radical measures,” explains SIM Secretary General Jorge Roque da Cunha.

Regarding the statements of the chief executive of the National Health Service (SNS), who in an interview with Público believed that doctors should assert their rights, “but in an ethically impeccable way”, Roque da Cunha states: “It is for the reason of ethics and deontology that we avoid [posições mais extremadas] and we lead by example.”

“Our colleagues from the Independent Union of Doctors, presenting projects [de escusa de mais horas extra além das 150/ano previstas na lei], they also give a period of 30 days so that services can be organized. It’s impossible to do more,” he explains.

The union leader says he interprets Fernando Araujo’s statements to the newspaper Público as an acknowledgment of the seriousness of the situation, which is in line with what SIM has “constantly pointed out over the past two years.”

“Endless waiting lists, difficulties in establishing emergency obstetric care teams in Lisbon, Braga, Guarda, dismissal of emergency team leaders in García de Orta, Fernando da Fonseca, Beatriz Angelou and San Francisco Xavier, as well as 5.5 million people Overtime hours and the number of users without a family doctor were clear signs that the system was at its limit,” he explains.

He also thinks the interview’s title – “November will be ‘dramatic’ if doctors don’t reach deal with government -” should have been “if government doesn’t reach deal with unions” – as a hint that the ball is in the boss’s court.

“We, ethically and responsibly, worked several overtime hours, especially our colleagues from the hospital, which is almost inhumane. When they’re working 300 to 400 hours of overtime in a 40-hour week, and they’re already asking too much of doctors,” he argues.

Roque da Cunha says SIM is “fully prepared to reach an agreement” and has even proposed planning measures during the legislative assembly, recognizing that it is impossible to achieve everything we want in the negotiation process.

Confirming that “it is very important that the basic pay of doctors working in the National Health Service” – those who work exclusively 35 hours, 40 hours and 42 hours – “recovers with increased productivity”, making SNS attractive “not only in terms of renewal salaries.”

He also recalls that SIM has offered FNAM a presentation of the joint proposal and guarantees that everything will be done to make this possible at the next negotiation meeting scheduled for Friday.