85% of specialists resign from Livno hospital and health center over low pay

The healthcare system in Livno faces a critical crisis as 85% of specialist doctors at the local hospital and health center have submitted their resignations. This mass exodus, driven by significantly lower salaries compared to other regions, threatens to cripple essential medical services for the approximately 31 doctors who will depart.

Doctors in the Hercegbosanska Canton, where Livno is located, report earning the lowest salaries in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dr. Marina Berberović, president of the Federal Union of Doctors of Medicine and Dentistry, stated that specialists in Livno earn around 2,600 convertible marks (approximately 1,300 euros) per month. This disparity has led to a severe shortage of medical personnel, with the hospital already struggling with insufficient staff before these resignations.

Following their resignations, the Livno hospital and health center will be left without anesthesiologists, gynecologists, or internists. There will be only one pediatrician and two neurologists remaining. Other specialties like otorhinolaryngology, physiatry, orthopedics, and ophthalmology will also be unrepresented. The doctors are serving their notice period until next Tuesday, after which the extent of the healthcare disruption will become fully apparent.

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Doctors in Canton 10 have the lowest coefficient and the lowest hourly rate in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is less than three marks. A specialist in Livno receives a salary of 2,600 convertible marks, which is about 1,300 euros. That's why they have the least staff. The Livno hospital has two anesthesiologists, three pediatricians, and that wasn't enough even before these resignations. Four doctors from the Emergency Department have resigned, it's questionable how the Emergency Department will function. The canton claims it will ensure healthcare for the population, but that can only last a day or two, not long-term, and it's not a solution for patients to travel 120 kilometers to Mostar.

The cantonal authorities maintain they will not negotiate, citing the current collective bargaining agreement which is in effect until the end of the year. They argue that the agreement covers all medical and non-medical staff and cannot be renegotiated piecemeal. However, the Doctors' Union counters that annexes to agreements are regularly signed when circumstances change, pointing to inflation as a significant factor.

This situation poses a severe challenge, particularly for patients who may have to travel long distances, such as to Mostar, for medical care. The mass resignation represents an irreparable blow to the Livno hospital, which already has the fewest doctors among all hospitals in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The outcome hinges on whether authorities will reconsider their stance and engage in negotiations to retain vital medical staff.

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Doctors in Hercegbosanska Canton are paid on average 30% less than their colleagues in other cantons – some 15% less, and some 45% less.