Doctors' national strike firm for Monday after talks collapse

A national doctors' strike is set to begin on Monday after the National Doctors' Union (Sinamed) confirmed that a fourth tripartite meeting with the state concluded without an agreement. The industrial action, which was initially declared on June 12, will now proceed as planned, causing significant disruption to healthcare services.

Rossana González, the general secretary of Sinamed, confirmed the strike's firm commencement, stating, "The strike remains firm; we are going on a national strike." She expressed apologies to the public, adding, "We apologize to the population, but we were pushed to this." González highlighted that ample time was available for resolution since June 12, implying frustration with the lack of progress.

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The strike remains firm; we are going on a national strike. We apologize to the population, but we were pushed to this.

The strike will impact a wide range of medical services. According to González, "All outpatient clinics will be suspended," and scheduled surgeries will also be canceled. The action is expected to last through Friday, potentially leaving many patients without access to essential care for an extended period. The union has indicated that the government's failure to present a viable proposal was the primary reason for the strike's continuation.

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All outpatient clinics will be suspended.